Romain Maes

Romain Maes, born on August 10, 1912, was a prominent Belgian cyclist who made his mark in the world of competitive cycling during the 1930s. He was the thirteenth child in his family and began his racing career at the age of seventeen. Turning professional in 1933, Maes quickly gained recognition by winning the Tour de l'Ouest, setting the stage for his future successes.

His most notable achievement came in 1935 when he won the Tour de France, leading from start to finish while wearing the coveted yellow jersey. This victory ended a six-year dominance of French riders and solidified his status as a national hero in Belgium. However, his career was not without its challenges, as he faced setbacks, including a crash during the 1936 Paris–Roubaix, where he was controversially denied victory despite crossing the line first.

In 1938, Maes experienced a dramatic moment in the Paris-Brussels race, where he mistakenly believed he had finished, only to be overtaken by competitors who were aware of an additional lap. He continued to compete in the Tour de France, winning a stage in 1939 before crashing out of the race. After a successful career on the road, Maes transitioned to track cycling, partnering with Sylvère Maes, a namesake with no familial ties.

Romain Maes retired from professional cycling in 1944 and opened a bar named 'In de Gele Trui' (In The Yellow Jersey) near the North station in Brussels, where he continued to be a beloved figure in the cycling community.