2024 Paris-Roubaix Preview: After the thrill of de Ronde van Vlaanderen final week, we glance ahead with anticipation to this Sunday and the ‘Hell of the North’ – Paris-Roubaix. Each races have quite a bit in frequent, cobbles and legends being two of them, plus shock. We take a look at the historical past, route and the favourites for L’enfer du Nord.
Mathieu van der Poel will keep in mind that nook for 2024
Roubaix Historical past
Sean Kelly, the winner in 1984 and 1986 mentioned “Paris-Roubaix is a horrible race to journey, however essentially the most lovely one to win.” It’s the race that draws the eye of anybody with an curiosity in biking, and a few who don’t. Just like the behemoth that’s Tour de France, it has its apparent factors that most of the people can comply with, the place because the Giro d’Italia and De Ronde van Vlaanderen are perhaps extra for the hardened followers… the ‘Tifosi’.
Paris-Roubaix is exclusive
A lot has been written about Paris-Roubaix. However the backside line is that in case you can survive these iconic cobbles and end first on the sacred monitor, you’re well-known for ever. To cite French journalist Man Lagorce: “Paris-Roubaix begins as a celebration, however ends as a nasty dream.” For some riders, Paris-Roubaix is struggling, struggling ache, falling, getting up, falling and getting up once more. The race is a self-inflicted cruelty that riders yearn to return to yearly. Henri Pélissier mentioned in 1919. “It’s not a biking race, however a pilgrimage.” 4-time Roubaix winner, Tom Boonen summed it up for him: “After I take a bathe in Roubaix, I truly begin getting ready for subsequent yr.”
4-time winner – Tom Boonen
The French Basic was began in 1896 by Theo Vienne and Maurice Perez, two textile producers from Roubaix. Vienne and Perez noticed the success of Bordeaux-Paris and wished to organise one thing comparable. The race needed to finish on the biking monitor that they had constructed the yr earlier than, in Roubaix. They took their plan to the French newspaper Le Vélo, as they thought they wanted the sports activities newspaper to organise the occasion. Editor of Le Vélo, Victor Breyer, determined to journey the proposed route. The climate circumstances that day have been so unhealthy that Breyer thought that it will be too harmful, however Breyer got here spherical to the thought and Paris-Roubaix grew to become a actuality. The primary version in 1896 was received by the German rider, Josef Fischer.
The primary winner of Paris-Roubaix – Josef Fischer
Paris-Roubaix rapidly grew to become a well-liked race, with many heroic tales through the years. It perhaps a French race, nevertheless it was made for the onerous males of Belgium. Since Cyrille Van Hauwaert’s victory in 1908, there was fifty-six extra Belgian victories. Three-time winners Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx and Johan Museeuw, but additionally Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen who’ve each received Paris-Roubaix 4 instances, sharing the file for essentially the most victories.
The Gypsy – Roger De Vlaeminck – The opposite four-time Roubaix winner
Gaston Rebry, Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx, Johan Museeuw and Fabian Cancellara are all on three victories. Lately, different nice champions akin to John Degenkolb, Greg Van Avermaet, Peter Sagan and Philippe Gilbert have additionally triumphed on the Roubaix velodrome, however there have been some ‘shock’ winners, however by no means a no one: Magnus Bäckstedt, Stuart O’Grady, Johan Vansummeren, Mathew Hayman and who can overlook Frédéric Guesdon. The final ten years learn like a who’s who of Basic cyclists: Van Baarle, Colbrelli, Gilbert, Sagan, Van Avermaet, Hayman, Degenkolb, Terpstra and Cancellara.
Three wins for Fabian Cancellara
Dylan van Baarle achieved the largest victory of his profession in 2022, soloing to Roubaix. The damaging late break of the day included Matej Mohorič, Tom Devriendt and Laurent Pichon, that they had a most lead of three minutes. Behind them a really sturdy Wout van Aert was in a chase group, with Mathieu van der Poel on his wheel. There was a counter-attack by Dylan van Baarle, he jumped away from the favourites group and joined Mohorič, Yves Lampaert and Devriendt on the Cysoing-Bourghelles cobbles. That they had a lead of 45 seconds on the Van Aert group and the INEOS Grenadiers rider noticed his likelihood. He rode the others off his wheel on the cobbles of Champhin-en-Pévèle and was solo on Carrefour de l’Arbre, the final of the toughest cobbled sections of Paris-Roubaix. He completed on his personal within the Roubaix velodrome. Van Aert out-sprinted Stefan Küng for second place at practically 2 minutes behind the Dutchman.
2022 Paris-Roubaix Consequence:
1. Dylan van Baarle (Ned) INEOS Grenadiers in 5:37:00
2. Wout van Aert (Bel) Jumbo-Visma at 1:47
3. Stefan Küng (Sui) Groupama-FDJ
4. Tom Devriendt (Bel) Intermarché-Circus-Wanty
5. Matej Mohorič (Slo) Bahrain Victorious.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/5ir0Ptzmplw2022 Paris-Roubaix
Mathieu van der Poel received the 2023 Paris-Roubaix in the absolute best manner, solo. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider crossed the end line within the Roubaix velodrome, after he rode away from Wout van Aert on the cobbled part of Carrefour de l’Arbre. Van Aert needed to let the Dutchman go due to a puncture. Jasper Philipsen out-sprinted Van Aert for second place for an Alpecin 1-2.
With greater than 100 kilometres to go, Van Aert break up the peloton to items. Solely John Degenkolb, Christophe Laporte, Van der Poel, Stefan Küng and Mihkels may comply with him. The Bax group began the cobbles of Wallers 18 seconds forward of the Van Aert group, whereas the peloton adopted at slightly below 40 seconds. On the cobble stones of the Trouée there was panic within the peloton. Dylan van Baarle, Matej Mohorič and Kasper Asgreen all crashed and the favourites group break up. Shortly after, the group with Van Aert and Van der Poel joined the final of the early escapees, however Laporte had a puncture. Mads Pedersen managed to make the leap throughout on his personal. A gaggle with Filippo Ganna, Max Walscheid, Laurenz Rex, Gianni Vermeersch and Jasper Philipsen additionally managed to affix the entrance of the race, giving Alpecin-Deceuninck a 3 males within the main group of 13. Laporte ended up in no man’s land, at greater than 1 minute, and was caught by the peloton 77 kilometres from the end. There was little co-operation within the massive group behind.
Will Van der Poel repeat in 2024?
Van der Poel made his first assault within the final metres of the Bersée part. He compelled the remainder to react, Bax and Vermeersch couldn’t comply with, simply earlier than the 5-star part of Mons-en-Pévèle. Van der Poel as soon as once more went on Mons-en-Pévèle. Van Aert and Philipsen have been on his wheel, whereas Küng, Ganna, Degenkolb and Pedersen managed to comply with with issue. Shortly after, Van der Poel tried on a slight uphill, an assault that solely Van Aert may comply with. That gave the impression to be the profitable transfer, however the group got here again to them. Van der Poel squeezed previous Philipsen which precipitated Degenkolb to fall. Van Aert took benefit and attacked. Van der Poel closed the hole after which rode away from Van Aert on the finish of the part. Van Aert had punctured 15 kilometres from the end and Van der Poel began the Gruson part solo. Pedersen, Philipsen, Ganna, Küng and Van Aert have been greater than 20 seconds behind the Dutchman. Philipsen was in a position to block for Van der Poel and the tempo dropped within the pursuit at 10 kilometres from the end. On the penultimate stretch of Willems à Hem, Van Aert attacked, solely Philipsen and Pedersen may comply with. Van der Poel began the final 5 kilometres to the Roubaix velodrome with a 30 second lead. Behind; Van Aert dropped Pedersen, however a really sturdy Philipsen may nonetheless hold on. This was all occurring nicely behind an unleashed Van der Poel, who took the solo victory in Paris-Roubaix. Van Aert and Philipsen sprinted for second place, however that was one lap behind Van der Poel. Within the dash Philipsen was too quick for Van Aert, making it a one-two for Alpecin-Deceuninck. Pedersen was fourth, Küng fifth and Ganna sixth.
2023 Paris-Roubaix Consequence:
1. Mathieu van der Poel (Ned) Alpecin-Deceuninck in 5:28:41
2. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Deceuninck at 0:46
3. Wout van Aert (Bel) Jumbo-Visma
4. Mads Pedersen (Den) Trek-Segafredo at 0:50
5. Stefan Küng (Sui) Groupama-FDJ.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/6ZiXxZFdD3oChaos And Cobbles In Hell! – Paris-Roubaix 2023 Highlights
The Parcours
The Paris-Roubaix 2024 route has some small modifications from final yr, however there are nonetheless 29 cobbled sections, however the order the riders hit them is totally different. The sections of Biastre and Ruesnes return this yr, however Saint-Python and Haspres are out as a result of they’re being repaired. As a result of size of the Biastre part, the entire of kilometres ridden on the cobbles is now 57.5km an will increase from 54.5km. That is essentially the most cobbles the riders have confronted in trendy instances. Clearly the entire race was on unhealthy roads at one time.
Josef Fischer – Winner of the primary Paris-Roubaix in 1896 on ‘gravel’
The modifications within the route come within the first 150 kilometres of the route, the finale to the velodrome in Roubaix is identical. The beginning can be the identical, the riders will line up in Compiègne for the 259.9 kilometres in hell. The primary cobbles come after 96 kilometres. Troisvilles to Inchy is a 3 star part, however the subsequent robust strip if from Quiévy to Saint-Python, which is ranked 4 stars, it may the beginning of the day’s motion.
2024 Paris-Roubaix map
The subsequent tough part is the Trouée d’Arenberg: 2.3 kilometres of full on 5 star cobbles, it comes 95 kilometres from the end and might be the most effective nicely know part of Pars-Roubaix. There are two extra 5 star sections: Mons-en-Pévèle is 50 kilometres for the end after which 17 kilometres out is thw Carrefour de l’Arbre. These are in all probability the hardest sections of cobbles and the place the race might be one or misplaced for ever. From Wallers onwards, the race is full on.
2024 Paris-Roubaix profile
After Carrefour de l’Arbre, the toughest elements of the ‘Hell of the North’ is behind the riders, however with Gruson, Hem and Roubaix nonetheless to return, there might be surprises within the last. All that’s left is one and a half laps of that well-known Vélodrome. Will or not it’s a solo rider or a bunch? You simply by no means know with L’enfer du Nord, that’s why we adore it… and the riders hate/adore it.
The Favourites:
The highest favorite for Sunday must be Mathieu van der Poel The World champion received Paris-Roubaix final yr, he additionally received the Tour of Flanders for the third time final Sunday, solo at file velocity. He has the shape and all the things else he must win once more. As we all know, Van der Poel’s major competitor within the Spring Classics, Wout van Aert, is not going to be in Compiègne as he has a number of accidents from his high-speed crash in Dwars Door Vlaanderen. It seems to be like there’s nothing stopping the Dutchman, however we’re speaking about Paris-Roubaix right here. Final yr, Van der Poel received solo, after Van Aert had a puncture on the Carrefour de l’Arbre. His teammate, Jasper Philipsen, out-sprinted Van Aert for second place. The energy of the Alpecin-Deceuninck group shouldn’t be in query after their present in Milan-Sanremo, the place Philipsen received after some sturdy work from Van der Poel after which the dominant and tactically intelligent work of the entire group to set Van der Poel up for the win in Flanders. We may see the World champion assist Philipsen if a bunch goes to be collectively on the Velodrome. Or will or not it’s two Paris-Roubaix wins in a row?
One other win for the rainbow jersey carrying No.1?
Mads Pedersen is now in all probability Mathieu van der Poel’s greatest rival. The Dane was affected by the identical crash that took out Van Aert and his teammate , however he additionally wasted a whole lot of power in Flanders, the place he completed in twenty eighth place. He was fourth final yr in Roubaix and did look sturdy in Flanders, so every week may make all of the distinction. The week earlier than Flanders, Pedersen beat Van der Poel in Gent-Wevelgem, his Lidl-Trek group used Jonathan Milan, to work over Van der Poel, however the Italian may do one thing himself on the cobbles of northern France.
Pedersen must be the second favorite – If at 100%
Visma | Lease a Bike shall be with out Wout van Aert, however they produce other winners of their ranks – to date they’ve received three Classics this season. Christophe Laporte has been ailing and it’s unknown whether or not he shall be on the Paris-Roubaix start-line, and if he’s, what’s going to his type be? Matteo Jorgenson and Dylan van Baarle shall be at the beginning on Sunday. In addition they rode the Tour of Flanders, the place Jorgenson battled in opposition to Van der Poel and was one in every of solely three riders who managed the Koppenberg with out strolling. However neither of them achieved a consequence. The younger American ought to be the Dutch group’s major hope, however his inexperience could possibly be his downfall. Dylan Van Baarle hasn’t accomplished a lot this season. The 2022 Paris-Roubaix winner had been ailing, though he did journey Flanders. His expertise may put him in a very good place within the finale, however one other win can be an unlimited shock.
Matteo Jorgenson isn’t Visma | Lease a Bike’s solely hope in Roubaix
Nils Politt has been on the Paris-Roubaix podium, again in 2019 he was second behind Philippe Gilbert. Thus far this season, he took second within the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad after a tough journey to maintain himself and winner, Jan Tratnik, forward of the peloton. he was additionally seventh within the E3 Saxo Basic and third in Flanders after the declassment of Michael Matthews. Politt lacks a dash end, however he’s sturdy sufficient to energy away in any last, however he wont win a gallop.
Nils Politt could make the wining transfer, however can he end it?
European time trial champion, Joshua Tarling clearly has the ability wanted for a race like Roubaix, bear in mind Fabian Cancellara wasn’t unhealthy at each. The younger British rider confirmed his type in Dwars door Vlaanderen. He struggled on the climbs, however had no issues on the flat sections. He completed eighteenth in Flanders on climbs that didn’t swimsuit him, so the flat Paris-Roubaix ought to. Magnus Sheffield may also begin for INEOS Grenadiers, however their full roster shouldn’t be but identified. Fillipo Ganna, who was sixth final yr, is ridding the Tour of the Alps, so he received’t be northern France.
Joshua Tarling has the ability
Stefan Küng had a disappointing Tour of Flanders as a consequence of a crash. The sturdy Swiss rider completed, however solely in forty first place. Other than time trials, Paris-Roubaix is a race he can shine. He completed third in 2022 and fifth in 2023, with a bit of fine luck he could possibly be on the rostrum once more.
Stefan Küng – Very similar to Politt, he’s sturdy however and not using a ending dash
Matej Mohorič additionally crash within the Tour of Flanders and needed to abandon, however he shall be at the beginning of Paris-Roubaix. He was fifth in Roubaix in 2022, so he is aware of what to anticipate. This season he took fifth in Strade Bianche and sixth in Milano-Sanremo and has all the time carried out nicely in Italy, however not in Belgium and northern French roads.
Mohorič in Roubaix?
Then there are the outsiders: Alberto Bettiol (EF Schooling-EasyPost), Luca Mozzato (Arkéa-B&B Accommodations), Max Walscheid (Jayco AlUla), Oliver Naesen (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Yves Lampaert (Soudal Fast-Step), John Degenkolb (dsm-firmenich PostNL), Riley Sheehan (Israel-Premier Tech), Laurenz Rex & Mike Teunissen (Intermarhcé-Wanty), Iván García Cortina &Oier Lazkano (Movistar), António Morgado & Tim Wellens (UAE Staff Emirates), Alexander Kristoff (Uno-X Mobility), Dries Van Gestel (TotalEnergies) and Brent Van Moer (Lotto Dstny).
Alberto Bettiol can journey the cobbles, however can he journey the Roubaix cobbles?
The High Favourites:
No.1: Mathieu van der Poel
Attainable: Jasper Philipsen, Mads Pedersen
Possibly: Matteo Jorgenson, Joshua Tarling, Stefan Küng
Outdoors Probability: Nils Politt, Jonathan Milan, Matej Mohorič, Dylan van Baarle.
*The rider listing isn’t full but, so this listing would possibly change. *
There is just one prime favorite for Sunday – MvdP
# Maintain it PEZ for one hell of a ‘Race Report’ on Sunday and all of the information in EUROTRASH Monday. #
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