Paris–Roubaix

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Paris–Roubaix

Paris–Roubaix is a one-day professional cycling race in northern France, starting north of Paris and finishing on the Belgian frontier in Roubaix. It is one of the oldest races of professional road cycling and is one of the Monuments of the European professional calendar. The race is known for its challenging route, which includes many sections of cobblestone roads, making it one of the most difficult and prestigious races in the sport.

History

The first Paris–Roubaix race was held in 1896. It was created by two Roubaix textile manufacturers, Théodore Vienne and Maurice Perez, who wanted to promote their new velodrome. The race quickly gained popularity and became a staple of the professional cycling calendar. Over the years, the race has been nicknamed "The Hell of the North" due to the rough terrain and often harsh weather conditions.

Route

The route of Paris–Roubaix varies slightly from year to year but traditionally starts in Compiègne, a town north of Paris, and finishes in the Roubaix Velodrome. The race is approximately 250 kilometers long and includes numerous sections of cobblestone roads, known as "pavé," which are a defining feature of the race. These cobblestone sections are often in poor condition, adding to the difficulty and unpredictability of the race.

Notable Sections

Some of the most famous cobblestone sections include:

• Trouée d'Arenberg: Also known as the Arenberg Trench, this is one of the most challenging and iconic sections of the race.
• Carrefour de l'Arbre: Another critical section that often plays a decisive role in the race outcome.
• Mons-en-Pévèle: Known for its length and difficulty, this section is a key part of the race.

Winners

Many of the greatest cyclists in history have won Paris–Roubaix, including Eddy Merckx, Tom Boonen, and Fabian Cancellara. The record for the most wins is held by Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen, each with four victories.

Significance

Paris–Roubaix is considered one of the most prestigious races in professional cycling. Winning this race is a significant achievement and is highly coveted by riders. The race is part of the UCI World Tour, ensuring that it attracts the best professional cyclists from around the world.

Related Pages

• Tour de France
• Giro d'Italia
• Vuelta a España
• Milan–San Remo
• Tour of Flanders
• Liège–Bastogne–Liège
• UCI World Tour