Vanderaerden, considered a sprinter, attacked on the Muur of Geraardsbergen and rounded off a 20 km (12 mi) solo break.[52] The race gained a place in cycling legend because a severe storm broke out in the second half of the race, with strong winds and torrential rainfall ravaging the peloton.[53] Only 24 of 174 starters finished the race, the lowest number in modern times.