The Paris-Roubaix route, also known as the “Hell of the North,” is a one-day professional cycling race that takes place in Northern France. The race is part of the UCI World Tour and has been held annually since 1896, making it one of the oldest cycling races in the world.
History
The first Paris-Roubaix race was organized by two Roubaix textile manufacturers, Theo Vienne and Maurice Perez. They wanted to promote their businesses and the region by organizing a cycling race that would showcase the cobblestone roads that were prevalent in Northern France at the time.
The inaugural race was won by German cyclist Josef Fischer, who completed the 280-kilometer course in just over 11 hours. Since then, many cycling legends have won the Paris-Roubaix, including Eddy Merckx, Tom Boonen, and Fabian Cancellara.
The Route
The Paris-Roubaix route is famous for its rough terrain, with over 50 kilometers of cobblestones spread across 29 sectors. These cobblestone sectors are what make the race so challenging for cyclists, as they require a different type of bike and riding technique compared to traditional road races.
Here are some key details about each sector:
Sectors 28-29: Troisvilles à Inchy (km 97.5 – km 104.5)
These sectors are relatively easy compared to others on the route and give cyclists a chance to warm up before hitting the rougher terrain.
Sector 27: Viesly à Quiévy (km 109.5 – km 116)
This sector is where things start to get tough for cyclists. The cobbles are uneven and can cause riders to lose control if they’re not careful.
Sector 25: Solesmes à Haussy (km 156 – km 164)
This sector has been dubbed the “Trouée d’Arenberg” and is arguably the most famous and difficult sector on the route. The cobbles are large and uneven, making it difficult for cyclists to maintain their speed.
Sector 16: Hornaing à Wandignies (km 207.5 – km 214)
This sector is known for its steep climb, which can be challenging for cyclists who are already fatigued from the previous sectors.
The Finish
The Paris-Roubaix finishes in the Roubaix velodrome, where cyclists complete one lap around the track to finish the race. The winner of the race is awarded a cobblestone trophy, which is a unique prize that represents the challenging terrain of the route.
- In conclusion: The Paris-Roubaix route is one of the most challenging and historic cycling races in the world. Its rough terrain and cobblestone sectors make it a unique experience for both cyclists and spectators alike.