Who Won Paris-Roubaix?

By Alice Nichols

The Paris-Roubaix is one of the oldest and most prestigious cycling races in the world. Every year, cyclists from around the globe gather to compete in this grueling one-day race that spans over 250 kilometers of cobbled roads and rough terrain. The race is also known as the “Hell of the North” due to its challenging route, which includes multiple sections of cobblestones that can cause havoc for even the most experienced cyclist.

This year’s Paris-Roubaix was held on April 14th, 2019, and it was full of excitement, drama, and intense competition. The field was stacked with some of the best professional cyclists in the world, including Peter Sagan, Greg Van Avermaet, and Philippe Gilbert.

As expected, the race started at a blistering pace with riders jostling for position and trying to make an early breakaway. However, it wasn’t until the first cobbled section that things really started to heat up. Several riders crashed on the slippery cobbles, forcing them to retire from the race or fall behind.

The middle part of the race saw several breakaway groups form and dissolve as different riders tried to seize control of the lead. However, it wasn’t until about 50 kilometers from the finish line that things got really interesting.

Belgian rider Philippe Gilbert launched a daring solo attack on a particularly challenging cobbled section and quickly gained a significant lead over his competitors. Gilbert maintained his lead for several kilometers before being caught by a chasing group that included Peter Sagan.

In an exciting sprint finish in Roubaix’s famous velodrome stadium, Gilbert was out-sprinted by Sagan who crossed the finish line first. It was Sagan’s first win at Paris-Roubaix after three previous attempts. He finished with a time of 5 hours 54 minutes and 6 seconds.

Sagan’s victory was celebrated by fans and fellow cyclists alike, as he had been considered one of the favorites to win the race. His impressive performance and tactical skill on the cobbles demonstrated why he is one of the best riders in the world.

In conclusion, this year’s Paris-Roubaix was a thrilling race full of excitement and drama. Peter Sagan emerged as the winner after an intense sprint finish that saw him beat out his competitors. The race showcased the grit, determination, and skill required to compete at such a high level, and it will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable editions of the “Hell of the North.”