I’m going to take part in the Paris Roubaix Challenge this weekend. I’m quite looking forward to it.
Unfortunately, ASO, the organisers of this sportive taking place a day before the professional race, has encountered last minute problems, which have resulted in a shortening of the route. There’s no finish in the velodrome nor will any timing chips be handed out.
No matter, unfortunate changes to the planned event aside, I’m still looking forward to it. It’ll still offer the chance to ride the many sections of pave that make this such a glorious spectacle the day before the professional road race, much as the Ronde Van Vlaanderen the weekend before.
So I’ve booked my crossing and I’ll be heading over a couple of days early to take in the Grote Scheldeprijs mid-week race before a couple of rides around the local area. And taking a closer look at some of the cobbles we’ll be riding on Saturday.
For preparation, I’ll be mostly watching Masterlink’s excellent Road to Roubaix film, as well as classic episodes of the Hell of the North on Youtube. Now, I just need to ponder my bike choice and what changes I might need to make to it for battling the cobbles.
