Paris-Roubaix is not called Queen of the Classics without good cause, and the season’s third Monument race, which takes place on Sunday (April 13) is set to be a Classic in every sense of the word.
Having won the Ronde Van Vlaanderen, Fabian Cancellara stands on the verge of an historic, record-breaking third ‘double’ should he claim victory at Roubaix, a feat which would affirm his place as one of the finest Classics rider ever.
But Spartacus does not just have the 28 secteurs of pavè to contend with en route, but a strong line-up of riders bidding to knock him from his perch.
VIctory for Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) would make him the most successful rider in Paris-Roubaix history should he seal a fourth victory, while Sep Vanmarcke (Belkin) has vengeance on his mind after his heart-breaking defeat 12 months ago.
Each secteur of pavè has been re-classified by the ASO ahead of Sunday’s race with the Arenberg, of course, among the toughest.
Read on for our in-depth look at the route and contenders ahead of the 112th edition of the famous race.
