On Sunday 11 April the bunch sets off for the 118th edition of Paris-Roubaix. It’s the third of five Monuments on the cycling calendar. Also known as the ‘Hell of the North’, Paris-Roubaix is one of the oldest and one of the most difficult one-day races with riders having to endure a daunting gauntlet of cobbled sectors before the finish in the Roubaix Velodrome. (Slideshow route/profile)
A perfect blend of positioning, power and tactical nous are required if a rider is to lift the famous cobble-stone trophy awarded to the victor, not too mention a large slice of luck. Given the conditions, mechanical issues are unavoidable in Roubaix, the timing of which can be the difference between winning and losing.
Read about the route of Paris-Roubaix 2021, or take a look at the start list.
Philippe Gilbert outgunned Nils Politt in a two-up sprint in the Roubaix Velodrome, while Yves Lampaert came is third in 2019. The race did not take place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Another interesting read: records & winners Paris-Roubaix.
Paris – Roubaix 2021: route, videos, more
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