The Paris–Roubaix is a one-day professional men’s bicycle road race in northern France….which starts north of Paris and finishes 166 miles up the road in Roubaix, at the border with Belgium. It is one of cycling’s oldest races….and is one of the ‘Monuments‘ or classics of the European cycling calendar…. which contributes points towards the UCI World Ranking…..with the most recent race was held on April 14, 2019.
The Paris–Roubaix is famous for rough terrain and cobblestones….which is one of the cobbled classics…along with the Tour of Flanders, E3 Harelbeke and Gent–Wevelgem….and is called the Hell of the North, a Sunday in Hell (also the title of a film about the 1976 race), the Queen of the Classics or la Pascale: the Easter race. Since 1977, the winner of Paris–Roubaix has received a sett (cobble stone) as part of his prize.
The terrain has led to the development of specialised frames, wheels and tires…..as punctures and other mechanical problems are common and often influence the result. Despite the esteem of the race, some cyclists dismiss it because of its difficult conditions.
