1975 Pro Road Race at Yvoir
MUST be one of the hardest races I have ever ridden ... 21 times up a 2 mile climb!
This is me crossing over to the break alone with a 4 lap chase! I had decided to watch Roger de Vlaeminck and Hennie Kuiper as they had fantastic form at the time.
My shoelace (remember them) had come loose and I had stopped to re-tie it. I was paced back on to the bunch by Geoff Dutton and when I got back the break had gone, containing all the favourites, including Eddie Merckx, de Vlaeminck, Kuiper, Zoetemelk etc.
I knew I had to get over and I chased (pic) for 4 laps and got on. I thought "That's it, I've done it ... In the break in the Worlds ... Top ten for sure"!!
BUT Merckx and de Vlaeminck were arguing and stopped working. The break was caught and when the next attack went I was knackered.
I still managed 22nd , but I had tried too hard chasing because of a stupid shoe lace. You live and learn ... What a bloody hard race though!!
Dave's Career in Pictures
Pictures spanning from the start of Dave's cycling career in 1969 to the present day ...