Le Petit Parisien was a well known French newspaper that ran between 1876 and 1944. At one point, its circulation was over 2 million readers.

During the time, sponsoring race events -- whether bicycle, car, or airplane -- was a way for the newspapers to increase sales and create publicity. They provided in-depth information about the airplanes and pilots, as well as the surrounding gossip and post race drama.

Le Petit Parisien Paris-Madrid Air Race

In 1911, Le Petit Parisien sponsored the Paris-Madrid Air Race, a three-stage international flying competition. Unfortunately, the event was overshadowed by a fatal crash at the beginning of the race event. The accident killed the French Minister of War, Henri Maurice Berteaux.

It was decided the race should go on. In the end, Jules Védrines, a well known French pilot at the time, won the competition. In fact, he was the only pilot to finish. He flew a Morane-Borel monoplane. After 12 hours and 18 mins in the air, he won the prize and claimed the $30,000 winnings.

Poster Features:

This poster comes framed and is printed on thick, durable, matte paper. The matte black frame is made from wood from renewable forests adds an extra touch of class.

• Size: 12" x 18"
• Alder, semi-hardwood frame
• Black .75” thick frame
• Acrylite front protector
• Lightweight
• Hanging hardware included