Friday 29th January 1897
The first of many “Semaines de Nice” automobile races from Marseille to La Turbie, began. Winner of the Car Class was Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat on a De Dion-Bouton steam break, covering the 240 km in 7 hours 45 minutes 9 seconds (30 kmph). The Motorcycle Class was won by Chesnay on a De Dion-Bouton tricycle in 9 hours 23 minutes 36 seconds (25 kmph).