Retro: the crazy story of the Bol d’Or

This weekend is the Bol d’Or! Fourth and final round of the 2023 FIM EWC championship, the “Bol” is of capital importance, since the world title has still not been awarded! But actually, what is this race? Without further ado, embark with us on a major retrospective which takes us back to the heart of the 1920s, and which will make a stopover, returning to more recent eras, through your memories.

 

The Bol d’Or, a century-old story

 

This year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans celebrated its 100th anniversary with great fanfare. However, the famous Sarthoise race is not the oldest 24-hour event on French soil, and this remains very little known. In 1922, a year before the Le Mans classic, the Bol d'Or competitors set off on an epic journey that changed the course of history.

First, why the name. It is very simple ; The “Bol d'Or” was a track bicycle race organized since 1894. In velodromes, then in vogue, cyclists competed against each other for an entire day, in the hope of receiving a bronze bowl as a trophy ; the famous “Bol d’Or”. Many headliners participated in the image of the Baker Constant Huret, or Brutal Léon Georget.

At the beginning of the 1920s, a certain Eugène Mauve had an idea. Why not organize a 24-hour race, but this time for small cars and motorcycles? At the time, the small-engine industry was flourishing. On four wheels, they are called Cyclecars. He took up the idea of ​​Bol d'Or, and with the help of the AAMM (Association of Former Military Motorcyclists), planned the first departure for 1922. Or rather, the first departures. Indeed ; It is often forgotten these days, but two distinct events were run. One reserved for automobiles, and the other, for motorcycles.

 

 

On a circuit barely five kilometers long, laid out on clay not far from Vaujours in Seine-Saint-Denis, the first Bol moto takes place. It’s a real revolution; the press is won over by this idea which puts the nerves of the pilots to the test. At the time, only one runner had to complete the entire distance. The cars are in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, on another route. Motosacoche rider Tony Zind, a Frenchman well known in national events, wins on two wheels. This is the start of a unique adventure.

 

The importance of the Montlhéry period

 

From 1923, motorcycles were repatriated to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, like cars, until 1936. Car enthusiasts are always interested in this unique event, but the 24 Hours of Le Mans take precedence from their inception. creation in 1923. For the automobile part, the ACO races large touring cars, the flagship of French – and soon, international – construction. Besides that, the Bol d'Or auto is always reserved for these small 1,5 liters, whether they are made by BNC, Amilcar or Salmson. The motorcycle part remains relevant. Joséphine Baker, famous singer and actress, even went to the site for a visit in 1931. Then, in 1937, we changed location to Linas-Montlhéry, a circuit which was not unanimously popular at the time.

Due to World War II, this did not last long. At the end of the conflict, an alternation was set up between Saint-Germain-en-Laye and Montlhéry until 1951, before settling permanently in the latter locality. This era is pivotal in more than one way. First, Eugène Mauve passes the torch. In 1954, two drivers were allowed per machine, and then, in 1955, the last edition of the Bol d'Or automobile took place. Cyclecars were no longer fashionable, and the event was not internationally popular despite the name “Grand Prix de Paris” at the end. From then on, the Bol was just a matter of two wheels. It is also the period of domination of one of the greatest legends of the event, namely, Gustave Lefèvre said Tatave, seven times winner on his Norton Manx.

In 1960, the Bol constituted an important stage of the first Endurance Cup, precursor of the FIM EWC Endurance World Championship that we know today, and introduced in its final form in 1980. Then, a new interruption brought jeopardizes the legend. From 1961 to 1968, no more Bol. But it is better to return to 1969 thanks to the popularization of Japanese brands, still in Montlhéry. Obsolete, the Parisian circuit was abandoned in 1970 in favor of Le Mans! It's little known, but the Bol d'Or was run on the Bugatti seven times. It is here that the George Godier and Alain Genoud, the Jean-Claude Chemarin or again, the no less famous Honda-Japauto. Without doubt, this passage through the temple of endurance boosted the popularity of the Bol d’Or.

 

How good it is in the South

 

It should be remembered that at the time, the Bol was organized by Motorcycle Review, a historic French title launched in 1913. It was Éditions Larivière who relaunched the famous event, but another major house did not see it that way. Motorcycle Journal, published for the first time in 1971, also wanted its 24-hour race, a format more popular than ever thanks to the invasion of the Japanese on the grids, and in the garages of ordinary people. « MJ » joined forces with the ACO to found the 24 Heures Motos in 1978, on the Bugatti and in the footsteps of the Bol d'Or.

 

 

From then on, Éditions Larivière (today owners of the two magazines) found another circuit to perpetuate the legend of the Bol. The choice falls on Paul Ricard, located in the Var. Inaugurated in 1970 and touted as one of the best tracks in the world, Castellet is stormed by bikers who have come to admire this new spectacle. This is the prosperous period of the Bol d'Or, the one that made it famous. The race is more popular than ever, known to everyone, even those who don't ride motorcycles. A true “Bol d’Or culture” is being created; enthusiasts vibrate at the simple mention of Christian Léon, Pierre-Étienne Samin, Hervé Guilleux, but also, of all the little stories that make up the big. Festive as can be, it has become one of the benchmark motorcycling races.

Then, endurance captivated less at the end of the 1990s. After a golden era came a major change; Le trip to Magny-Cours in 2000. Paul Ricard had become out of fashion, abandoned by motorcycle Grands Prix, F1 and now, the Bol d'Or. In the heart of Nièvre, the atmosphere is not the same. The great years are behind, both in the stands and on the track; now, the big teams (SERT Suzuki, SRC Kawasaki, etc.) reign supreme. It was during this – slightly – less exciting period of time that Bisontin Vincent Philippe racked up a series of victories for Suz', namely seven successes.

Then, in 2015, it was the big return to Castellet. For many, it is the track that embodies the “Bol d’Or spirit”, and since then, we have often enjoyed some very good battles. Even if the design of the circuit sometimes gives a headache, we can rejoice in finding the splendid straight line of the Mistral, the Signes curve and many other turns appreciated by all. Vincent Philippe took two more victories and brought the total to nine at the end of the 2019 edition; this is the record. On the brand side, Suzuki has 18 successes compared to 17 for Honda. Be careful, because the winged firm is leader of the championship at the time of writing; after victories at the 24 Heures Motos as well as the 8 Hours of Suzuka this season, she could well catch up on Sunday.

Will you be there with us to follow this 86th edition of the Bol d’Or moto? Did you know the history of the event? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Cover photo: ROL Agency