PARIS-ROUBAIX 2009

SUNDAY 4-12-2009

VERSUS 4:00 PM

(local time)

There is no other single day race in the world that captures the imagination of fans, and strikes fear into the hearts of its riders, than Paris-Roubaix. The Queen of the Classics is one of the oldest races, having first been run in 1896, and has been stopped only by the two world wars. It was created by two Roubaix textile manufacturers, Théo Vienne and Maurice Perez, who were looking to capitalize on the popularity of the more famous Bordeaux-Paris, and provide riders with a rigorous training race. They suggested the idea to the sports newspaper Le Vélo, who sent their cycling editor Victor Breyer to research a route between Paris and Roubaix.

l'enfer du Nord. Hell of the North. This term was first used to describe the route following World War I. The course followed the front lines of the war through Northern France, earning its nickname from journalists who were looking to promote it, and also denounce it. Originally 330 km in length, by 1966 the start was moved to Chantilly, 50km north of Paris, and since 1977 it has started in the city of Compiègne.

The Trouée d'Arenberg (Trench of Arenberg) has become the symbol of Paris-Roubaix. The 2400m sector was found by local cyclist Jean Stablinski, who worked in the mine that extends under the woods of Arenberg. The mine closed in 1990 and the passage is now preserved. Although almost 100km from Roubaix, the sector usually proves decisive and as Stablinski said, "Paris-Roubaix is not won in Arenberg, but from there the group with the winners is selected”.

Levels of difficulty are assigned to each sector, and are evaluated by length, irregularity of the cobbles and the condition of each section and its position in the race. Upon riding the course a few days before, one will understand clearly the difference between a sector rated three and one rated a five. In the 2008 Paris-Roubaix, there were 28 cobble sections, totaling three considered maximum difficulty. As well as the Trouée d'Arenberg, other difficult sections include the 3000m Mons-en-Pévèle (213km) and the 2100 m Carrefour de l’Arbre (244km) — often decisive in the final kilometers. The 28 sectors totaled 52.8 km.

Roger de Vlaeminck is known as Mr. Paris-Roubaix, winning the race 4 times, and finishing on the podium 5 additional times. Peter Van Petegem became only the 7th Belgian, and 8th overall, to win the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in the same season when he won in 2003.

Be sure to watch this incredible race!!!