Paris-Roubaix (FRA) - 15.04.2007

(This event is on the 2007 UCI ProTour calendar but does not hold a UCI ProTour licence)

Paris-Roubaix is known as the ‘Hell of the North’ because its cobbled and muddy roads create terrible racing conditions. Before the finish on the Roubaix velodrome, the final part of the 260km race covers numerous sections of the so-called ‘pavés’, each one graded with stars for the grade of difficulty and length. The most famous sections of pavés are the Forest of Arenberg, Mons-en- Pévèle and the Carrefour de l’Arbe and these are now protected as part of the cultural heritage of the French region. Close to the coalmines that characterise the northeast of France, the cobbled track through the Forest of Arenberg cuts a straight line through a thick forest. A slightly downhill approach and riders fighting for a place near the front of the peloton mean the Forest of Arenberg almost always makes a crucial selection amongst the favourites. The other sections of pavés then gradually wear down the riders and show who is the strongest and the best bike handler, with the final winner often decided in a sprint in the Roubaix velodrome. Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara raised the famous cobblestone prize as winner in 2006 but will face tough opposition this year from previous winner Tom Boonen of Belgium and even current World Champion Paolo Bettini who has been captured by the fascination of cycling’s toughest classic.