"Never, in the memory of man, has a race been more difficult and more gruesome; never has it worked more murderous on the mind and body of a rider..."

— Karel Van Wijnendaele, pioneer of Flemish sports journalism

The Circuit des Champs de Batille was a symbol of hope in a desperate situation. The bicycle race was supposed to heal the wounds of war. Since the race was poorly planned, spectators saw the demolished towns, roads, and the sense of death was still in the air. Society still needed more time to heal and rebuild. The race may have had a better outcome if the event organizer had chosen different routes where demolished towns were being rebuilt, allowing spectators and bicyclists to see a sense of hope. There should have been stops to honor the fallen for both bicyclists and spectators. There could have been ceremonies to honor the families and veterans, allowing communities to heal together.


A symbol of hope was needed for France after the devastating effects of war. The French newspaper Petit Journal tried to make a difference through a sports event. However, the race was planned poorly. Racers and spectators saw demolished towns, roads, and bridges.  A sense of death was still in the air. The race may have had a better outcome if the organizers chose different routes, where the rebuilding of towns could have been noticed. Stops for bicyclists and spectators were needed to have ceremonies and honor the fallen, to bring a sense of healing to French communities.

The story of the Cottrell brothers is one of sacrifice, bravery, and family honor. Their attitude and professionalism towards the game of golf are displayed on the battlefield. The metaphor "die game," which means in golf, to maintain a competitive spirit and integrity to the end. The same ethics were used on the battlefield by the Cottrell brothers when they were faced with decisions about life and death. They knew they could die in battle, but continued to the bitter end. Therefore, the brothers used the ethics they learned in golf on the battlefield so they could come to the realization of why they were fighting in times of doubt.

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