Cycling: It's finally that time again; Paris-Roubaix is coming up! Everything is set for a big day of cycling action next Sunday (April 10th). We looked at the route, examined pavés and thought about the favourites. In addition, of course, all information about the record television broadcast and the live streams.
Next Sunday is the finale for the Belgian and Northern French Classics. As in every season, the race from Paris to the notorious Velodrome in Roubaix is the big highlight at the end. While John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin) after his serious training accident unable to defend his title all eyes are on road world champion Peter Sagan (Tinkoff) - especially after his sensational performance at last weekend's ronde. But there is still a professional at Trek-Segafredo who still has a score to settle with the Slovak.
Paris-Roubaix 2016: the route
Since 1977, the race has started in Compiegne, about 100km from Paris city center. Nothing will change in 2016 either. From there it goes steadily north towards Roubaix. The first 100km are still cobblestone-free and little more than a preliminary skirmish to what the riders can expect in the second half of the race. A total of 27 pavé sectors have to be mastered - with a total length of more than 52km.
Race organizer ASO assessed each of the 27 sectors and rated them on a scale from one to five stars. This should serve as an orientation for the drivers as well as the spectators on site and at home, what to expect on these sections. Only three sectors received the maximum rating of five stars, which means they are classified as very difficult by the ASO. However, that doesn't mean that the rest will be easy: As the race progresses, the riders and their bikes will feel the impact of every single cobblestone. Paris-Roubaix is a tough test for man and material alike.
The 27 pavés at a glance
Nr | segment | Position | Length | Rating |
---|---|---|---|---|
27 | Troisvilles | 98,5km | 2.200m | *** |
26 | muchly | 105km | 1.800m | *** |
25 | Quievy | 108km | 3.700m | **** |
24 | Saint Python | 112,5km | 1.500m | ** |
23 | Compare | 120,5km | 2.300m | *** |
22 | Verchain-Maugre | 130km | 1.600m | *** |
21 | Quérénaing - Maing | 133,5km | 2.500m | *** |
20 | Monchaux sur Ecaillon | 136,5km | 1.600m | *** |
19 | Haveluy | 149,5km | 2.500m | **** |
18 | Trouée d'Arenberg | 158km | 2.400m | ***** |
17 | Wallers-Helesmes | 164km | 1.600m | *** |
16 | Hornaing | 170,5km | 3.700m | **** |
15 | Warlaing-Brillon | 178km | 2.400m | *** |
14 | Tilloy-Sars-et-Rosieres | 181,5km | 2.400m | **** |
13 | Beuvry-la-Forêt—Orchies | 188km | 1.400m | *** |
12 | Orchies | 193km | 1.700m | *** |
11 | Auchy-lez-Orchies – Bersee | 199km | 2.700m | **** |
10 | Mons-en-Pevele | 204,5km | 3.000m | ***** |
9 | Mergnies-Avelin | 210,5km | 700m | ** |
8 | Pont Thibaut | 214km | 1.400m | *** |
7 | Templeuve - Moulin de Vertain | 220km | 500m | ** |
6a | Cysoing-Bourghelles | 226,5km | 1.300m | *** |
6b | Bourghelles-Wannehain | 229km | 1.100m | *** |
5 | Camphin-en-Pévèle | 233,5km | 1.800m | **** |
4 | Le Carrefour de l'Arbre | 236,5km | 2.100m | ***** |
3 | Gruson | 238,5km | 1.100m | ** |
2 | Home | 245,5km | 1.400m | ** |
1 | Roubaix | 252km | 300m | * |
In the run-up to the race, we took a close look at the sectors with five and four stars: how do they differ? What will matter?
Five stars
Tourée d'Arenberg (km 158 – 2.400m)
The Arenberg Forest is perhaps the most legendary and well-known section of Paris-Roubaix. The path dates back to the time of Napoleon I, i.e. from the 18th century. That should say something about the general condition. The road is narrow and straight and is flanked by dense forest - it is not for nothing that it is also called the Arenberg corridor. Next to the road is an even narrower path made of hard-packed earth - but this is separated with a fence during the race. The size of the cobblestones varies greatly, so there is no such thing as an ideal line. So no matter where you drive on the 2,4km - it really hurts.
"You can't win Paris-Roubaix in the forest of Arenberg, but you can definitely lose there." - The almost 2,5 km were often the scene of tragic moments: falls and technical defects are part of it. In 2011, for example, Tom Boonen had a flat tire here and had to wait more than 90 seconds for a new bike – the Belgian's race was over at the time.
The Forest of Arenberg on Strava
COM: Seb Alonso (3:22)
QOM: Louise de Waal (4:19)
Mons-en-Pévèle (km 204,5 – 3.000m)
Less than 50km after the forest of Arenberg, the riders will face Mons-en-Pévèle, the second five-star section of the race. Since then, however, the arms, legs and material have endured seven more pavé sectors, which only makes the challenge even greater. Unlike the straight forest of Arenberg, the Mons-en-Pévèle is divided into three sections separated by two sharp bends. The roadsides here are traditionally lined with fans who will cheer for the battered drivers.
From here it is still a very long way to the finish at the Roubaix Velodrome. Nevertheless, it has been shown not too long ago that the decision can already be made at this point. In 2012 Tom Boonen even attacked in the sector just before that, more than 50km from the finish. In the end, Tornado Tom won by more than 90 seconds. Fabian Cancellara did a similar thing in 2010 when he attacked here, distanced his pursuers Ton Boonen and Thor Hushovd and won by more than two minutes.
Mons-en-Pévèle on Strava
COM: Mikkel Staunsholm (4:26)
QOM: Marit Huisman (5:34)
Le Carrefour de l'Arbre (km 236,5 – 2.100m)
The Carrefour de l'Arbre is the last real test for the drivers on their way to Roubaix. After that it's only 19km to the Velodrome and the next three sectors aren't particularly difficult anymore. The Carrefour de l'Arbre could tip the scales and it is not unlikely that the decision about victory will fall here. The nature of the path is as difficult as in the forest of Arenberg. After more than 200km, full concentration is required here again, especially because the section also has some tight corners.
It's difficult for the riders to find the right balance between safety and attack here. On the one hand, a brief moment of inattention is enough and the dream is over, on the other hand, it could be a matter of the decisive tenths of a second. An additional factor is the crowds in the region. One memorable moment was Thor Hushovd's 2009 somersault mortale, which potentially cost him the win and cleared the way for Tom Boonen.
Le Carrefour de l'Arbre on Strava
COM: T. Gines (2:50)
QOM: Anne Sophie Martin (4:42)
Four stars
Quievy (km 108 – 3.700m)
This sector has been an integral part of the Paris-Roubaix route since 1973 and, at 3,7km, is the longest this year. After two straight kilometers at the beginning there is a sharp right turn and a moderate incline. The cobblestones are irregular but in fairly good condition.
Quiévy - Saint Python on Strava
COM: Stijn Steels (5:38)
QOM: Alie ulder Shields (7:35)
Haveluy (km 149,5 – 2.500m)
This section made its debut at Paris-Roubaix in 2001 but has featured in almost every year since. Although the path is in good condition, it is also very prone to wetness and mud and is therefore often the scene of numerous falls.
Haveluy - Wallers on Strava
COM: André Greipel (3:49)
QOM: Sue Zuki
Hornaing (km 170,5 – 3.700m)
At 3,7km, this passage is the longest of the race along with Quiévy - Saint-Python. The road is mostly flat with a 90° turn towards the end. The cobblestones are very regular and in good condition. The great difficulty here is the usually very high speed with which the sector is passed.
Hornaing - Wandignies-Hamage on Strava
COM: Marko van Brummelen (5:15)
QOM: Liz Grootenboer (6:04)
Tilloy - Sars-et-Rosières (km 181,5 - 2.400 m)
This 2,4 km long section meanders through the French countryside on very flat and regular cobblestones. The trail itself rarely poses problems for riders, but it turns into a veritable mud pit in bad weather.
Tilloy-lez-Marchiennes on Strava
COM: Stijn Vandenbergh (3:26)
QOM: B.Meesh (4:55)
Auchy-lez-Orchies - Bersée (km 199 - 2.700 m)
In 2009, after a successful restoration, this popular section was reintroduced to the Paris-Roubaix route. However, the final 200m is still in poor condition and the rough and uneven cobblestones are another tough test for body and mind after more than 200km.
Auchy-lez-Orchies on Strava
COM: Niki Terpstra (4:16)
QOM: Marit Huisman (5:10)
Camphin-en-Pévèle (km 233,5 – 1.800m)
In recent years, the race-decisive attack has taken place here several times. In 2012 Tom Boonen attacked here and was able to pull away decisively, in 2010 it was Fabian Cancellara. The immediately following 5-star Carrefour de l'Arbre section adds extra spice to this sector.
Camphin-en-Pévèle on Strava
COM: Mikel Staunsholm (2:27)
QOM: Wonno Hughes (3:48)
Paris-Roubaix 2016: The favourites
top favourites
Peter SaganTinkoff
The World Champion is in better shape than last year at this early stage of the season. In Gent-Wevelgem he showed tactical finesse - but the big highlight was of course his victory in the Tour of Flanders last Sunday. Cancellara and Vanmarcke tried everything, but couldn't hold a candle to the Slovak in the final. The 26-year-old is going into the race on Sunday as the clear favorite, even though he has already indicated that victory in the round gives him the freedom to have “a little fun” in the next races. Whatever that may mean...
Fabian Cancellara (Trek Segafredo)
The Swiss phenomenon has triumphed at Paris-Roubaix three times in his career and is keen to follow that up with a fourth win on Sunday. It will no doubt be an emotional affair in his final year as a pro. Even if Sagan showed him the limits in Flanders, Cancellara has shown time and again that he cannot be defeated by such setbacks. He also knows pretty much every cobblestone in northern France. Last weekend's result may tickle the last necessary percentage from the legs of the Trek pro. In any case, we will really enjoy watching Spartacus on the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix again.
outsider
Alexander Kristoff (Katusha)
Even though Alexander Kristoff stressed last weekend that he was completely satisfied with fourth place in the Tour of Flanders, the Norwegian's classic season so far hasn't gone 100% as desired. A win at Paris-Roubaix would certainly be more than just a consolation and would make the Katusha pro's somewhat unfortunate performances of the past forgotten. His coach Stein Ørn has already stressed that Kristoff will be stronger in Roubaix than last time. In Flanders he struggled with the climbs - we'll see if he can handle the Roubaix cobbles any better.
Sep Vanmarcke (LottoNL-Jumbo)
Sep Vanmarcke once again showed his best side in Flanders. Not only was he able to keep up with Cancellara and Sagan almost to the end, but he also showed tactical acumen as he latched on to Sagan and Kwiatkowski at the crucial moment, leaving the rest of the field behind.
In recent years, it has been shown again and again that Paris-Roubaix suits the Belgian even a little better than the Ronde - second and fourth place speak volumes. His second place finish in 2013 was particularly memorable; he was then the only driver who could go with Cancellara. Also next Sunday it wouldn't be a big surprise if Vanmarcke would compete for victory in the Velodrome.
Niki Terpstra (Etixx – Quick Step)
Niki Terpstra is one of three past winners on the starting line (alongside Boonen and Cancellara). If you talk to the Dutch fans, they see the Etixx pro as their only chance of victory. He showed good form again in the Tour of Flanders, but was not able to keep up with the leaders on the Paterberg. The significantly flatter profile of Paris-Roubaix certainly suits the 31-year-old. He can also build on a very strong team with Stybar and Boonen.
In the extended circle
Tom Boonen, Daniel Oss, Lars Boom, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard, Zdenek Stybar, Mark Cavendish, Tony Martin, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Jens Keukeleire, Borut Bozic, Jurgen Roelands, André Greipel and Arnaud Demaré (if he gets fit).
Paris-Roubaix 2016: TV broadcast and live streams
For the first time in the history of the race there will be live images from start to finish - more than six hours of live cycling. Television broadcasters in twenty countries around the world have secured these rights – including Eurosport Germany. For German cycling fans, this means: Better not to do anything next Sunday, the broadcast will start in the morning at 10:15 a.m. and the finish line is scheduled for 17:00 p.m.
TV broadcast Paris-Roubaix 2016
Broadcaster: Eurosport
Date: April 10, 2016
Time: 10:15 a.m. – 17:00 p.m
The entire race can also be viewed on the Internet Eurosportplayer pursue. Cycling fans from outside Germany should take a look at www.cyclingfans.com throw, there will be international streams for different countries to choose from as usual.
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