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The "Hell of the North" has always held a special appeal
for the big Tuscan. Tafi's strong, powerful style is especially suited for the mud, cobbles, wind and harsh conditions that
are typically encountered in the Queen of the Classics.
It had always been Andrea's dream to win Paris-Roubaix...In
1999, with a memorable solo win, his dream finally became reality!
"This morning Lefevere (Mapei DS) told me it was my turn and
the team did a great job for me. Once again, Mapei showed we were a great team."
After reaching the podium twice before
but not yet the top step (3rd in 96, 2nd in 98), Tafi followed his idol Francesco Moser, who also won Paris-Roubaix while
wearing the Italian Champion's Jersey in 1980. Tafi noted the fact later: "When I was about the same age as Tommaso (his son)
in 1980, I saw Moser win with the Italian colors on his back and I really wanted to do the same this year."
All winners
of Paris-Roubaix receive the famous cobble trophy. Andrea keeps his in sight of the dinner table to remind him of his goals.
He received another cobble from the race organizers to build into his new villa. It was given as a token of his courageous
performances and recognition of his great admiration and respect for the Queen of The Classics.
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| Solo break and on the way to victory! |
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| Turning on the power |
Click on the cobbles to the left to go to the latest version of the Official Paris-Roubaix
Website
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| Solo win in the Tricolore |
1. Andrea Tafi (Ita) Mapei-Quick Step 6.44.15
2. Wilfried
Peeters (Bel) Mapei-Quick Step 2.14
3. Tom Steels (Bel) Mapei-Quick Step 2.26
4.
George Hincapie (USA) US Postal Service 2.26
5. Jo Planckaert (Bel) Lotto-Mobistar 2.26
6. Leon Van Bon (Ned) Rabobank
2.26
7. Frank Vandenbroucke (Bel) Cofidis 2.26
8. Andrei Tchmil (Bel) Lotto-Mobistar 2.40
9. Johan
Museeuw (Bel) Mapei-Quick Step 2.40
10. Lars Michaelsen (Den) La Française des Jeux 2.53
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| The Man and his Rock |
Read Samuel Abt's account of the race here
You can read International Herald Tribune writer Samuel Abt's account of the race by clicking on the link
above. Note his error in placing Franco Ballerini on the podium in 3rd in the somewhat controversial Mapei sweep in 1996,
when it was actually Gianluca Bortolami.
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| Another Mapei sweep! Tafi, Peeters and Steels |
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