A nugget of cycling history
At the Liège-Bastogne-Liège Cycling Centre, every object tells a story. But some of them say a lot. A lot. Such is the case with this 1907 flag, recently presented by Mr André Grognard, neighbour and owner of the Auberge du Cheval Blanc.
This historic flag is that of ‘Les Amis de la Pédale de Sougné-Remouchamps’, a cycling club founded on 28 April 1907. A real relic!
A documented treasure trove
This precious testimony is brought to light thanks to an extract from ‘La Petite Gazette’ of 17 February 2016, written by René Henry.
The article features a magnificent period photograph. It shows men in their Sunday best, proudly gathered around the flag. Among them is François Nisin, the club’s general secretary from 1 May 1907.
In the foreground, five bare-legged cyclists, ready to do battle on the roads of the day.
A deep-rooted passion in Remouchamps
Sougné-Remouchamps has always been a meeting place for cycling enthusiasts. Many fairs included cycle races. It’s true that the relief of the area is conducive to riders’ exploits. A cyclists’ café also welcomed many ‘friends of the pedal’.
Yesterday's champions, today's heroes
The name of Joseph Matagne remains engraved in the history of cycling. Born on 1 March 1885, this rider distinguished himself by winning the Paris-Roubaix Amateur in 1909. His performance was all the more remarkable in that he finished ahead of several professionals, including Octave Lapize, winner of Paris-Roubaix and Bruxelles-Paris that year. Matagne can therefore be considered the overall winner of this year’s race.
He didn’t stop there: that same year, he also took 9th place at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, just 1 minute 30 seconds behind the winner, Victor Fastre.
He was also celebrated by the club Les Amis de la Pédale on 28 August 1910, after returning from Paris-Roubaix… on a bike!
Come and discover this local pride
This century-old flag has found its symbolic home just a few metres from where it all began. At the Maison du Cyclisme, it is a reminder that Sougné-Remouchamps is a land of cycling… and not just yesterday!
Curious to see this 1907 flag for yourself? It’s waiting for you at the Maison du Cyclisme Liège-Bastogne-Liège, right next to the Auberge du Cheval Blanc. Drop in and immerse yourself in over a century of cycling history! This establishment is also theheadquarters of Philippe Gilbert’s supporters. Yvette, André and Christelle always welcome you with a smile!
