The Paris-Roubaix classic by Kerouac2
Apr 8, 2012 11:33:31 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 8, 2012 11:33:31 GMT
People of France, Benelux and Australia are well aware of the Paris-Roubaix classic, but who else has ever heard of it?
It is a spectacular one-day race which is some ways is more exciting than the Tour de France.
As you can see, it really leaves from Compiègne, but that is considered to be close enough to Paris.
What makes the race really special are the sections of ancient cobblestone roads that the race uses -- totally treacherous zones which assure some really awful falls and injuries. And of course, this time of year almost always guarantees mud -- and when it's dry it guarantees suffocating dust.
Frankly, it is often breathtaking to watch and tens of thousands of spectators cross kilometers of beet fields to be along these ancient lanes.
This year, as usual, Belgian champion Tom Boonen is the favourite, and even most of the French will be supporting him, because he is one of the friendliest and most pleasant cyclists on the circuit, and this particular race is his speciality.
It is a spectacular one-day race which is some ways is more exciting than the Tour de France.
As you can see, it really leaves from Compiègne, but that is considered to be close enough to Paris.
What makes the race really special are the sections of ancient cobblestone roads that the race uses -- totally treacherous zones which assure some really awful falls and injuries. And of course, this time of year almost always guarantees mud -- and when it's dry it guarantees suffocating dust.
Frankly, it is often breathtaking to watch and tens of thousands of spectators cross kilometers of beet fields to be along these ancient lanes.
This year, as usual, Belgian champion Tom Boonen is the favourite, and even most of the French will be supporting him, because he is one of the friendliest and most pleasant cyclists on the circuit, and this particular race is his speciality.
