BiciRace.com :: 2005 Paris-Roubaix

2005 Paris-Roubaix, Preview

Paris-Roubaix, France

10 April, 259K

A Sunday In Hell

Overall Map
Startlist
Cobbled Sections
Photos
Report and Results

It's almost that time again for "The Queen of the Classics", Paris-Roubaix. Cycling greats such as Bernard Hinault have called this race "absurd", but from a fan's perspective it just doesn't get much better than this. No less than 26 sections of bone jarring pave will be waiting for the riders as they head out of the start from Compiegne, in the outskirts of Paris.

Paris-Roubaix is a pancake flat tour through the farmland and coal heaps of industrial northern France. What it lacks in picturesque scenery though it more than makes up for in cobbled action. The entrance to the Arenberg Forest has historically been one of the more decisive sections of pave, but this year the Arenberg Forest is absent. Now the riders will find other critical sections to make the race. The big teams of Discovery, Quick-Step, Liquigas-Bianchi and Lotto will all be jostling to get their leaders through the early cobbled sections in one piece.

The folks at BiciRace.com are a sentimental bunch, and we would love nothing more than to see, big-man, Andrea Tafi of Saunier-Duval triumph in his very last Paris-Roubaix. He will officially be hanging up his wheels after this race putting a cap on a most illustrious career. A more realistic favorite, though, would have to be Tom Boonen of Quick-Step. Currently Boonen's form is scorching and his team is one of the best. Fine form is one thing, but as we all know Paris-Roubaix depends on luck almost as much as good form. Many a Paris-Roubaix has been lost due to an untimely puncture. Just ask Johan Museeuw about 1994.

Back in the Lotto camp is pave strongman, Henk Vogels of Australia. This should really bolster Peter Van Petegem's chances of repeating his 2003 victory in this race. Also in with a chance is the big Swede Magnus Backstedt, Roger Hammond, Nico Mattan, Stefan Wesseman and George Hincapie.

Tune in to BiciRace.com this Sunday, April 10th, for full results and post race news.
- Paco