1921 Paris-Roubaix - Henri Pélissier

Three of the four Pélissier brothers became cyclists. The leading man of the group was Henri, the eldest, known for his talent and extremely gruff character. In his footsteps, his brother Francis, who was five years younger, was a worrying presence in the one-day and stage races. Charles Pélissier joined the peloton later on. Henri and Francis played a leading role in the 1921 Paris-Roubaix race. The highlight of this event was the climb in the northern French town of Doullens. This is where the two older Pélissier brothers broke away. A select group of other riders managed to catch up with them But Henri was able shake off his companions to arrive solo at the Roubaix velodrome. Second place was a struggle between his brother Francis and Léon Scieur, who went on to win the Tour later that year. The two riders both sprinted on flat tyres. This did not faze Francis, who somehow came in second. The original trophy awarded to the victorious Henri is in the trophy chalice. The plaque on the marble base is a reminder of the brothers' podium positions.