Queen of the Classics, the Hell of the North, A Sunday in Hell – call it what you like, Paris-Roubaix is a race like no other.

Containing 27 secteurs of pavé in all, to conquer arguably the hardest race in professional cycling takes a specific type of rider.

And though no British rider has ever graced the top step of the podium in Roubaix, Roger Hammond came agonisingly close – missing out in the sprint in the velodrome in 2004.

Hammond, who now manages British continental outfit Madison-Genesis, credits his cyclo-cross background with his ability to tackle the fearsome pavè of northern France.

And we caught up with the former world junior ‘cross champion, who went on to win the senior national ‘cross title an astonishing seven times, to learn his thoughts on tackling the famous race.

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