Some footage from 1994. The current forecast says dry weather but look what happens when it rains.
In the past edition Franco Ballerini and Gilbert Duclos-Lasalle had entered the velodrome together to end in a photo-finish sprint. Now they struggle with mud, punctures and rivals in a sporting contest that at times looks like fight for survival. Even the commentator’s voice adds to the drama. The same race later saw an epic battle between Johan Museeuw and Andrei Tchmil, with Tchmil often no more than 10 seconds ahead of his rival but Museeuw could not close the gap.
Either way we see how luck plays such a part of this race. But a rider must make their own luck, those at the front can pick their line and set the pace.