The 2014 Paris-Roubaix is almost upon us, and what a race it promises to be. Join us right here on The Roar from 10pm AEST for all the updates from this much-anticipated race.
257 kilometres on a Sunday in hell as the riders traverse climbs such as the Paterberg, make their way through the Forest of Arenberg, and the streets of Roubaix as they all hope to reach the fabled Roubaix velodrome in first place.
This year, the main contenders are the Tour of Flanders winner Fabian Cancellara, and Tom Boonen, the Belgian who is widely considered as the greatest classics cyclist of his generation. We have been waiting for another all out battle between these two for a few years now.
But we cannot forget the outsiders looking to upset the apple card and take the win ahead of a couple of their heroes. Sep Vanmarcke came so close last year in Roubaix, and again in Flanders last Sunday, he won’t want to be beaten by Spartacus again.
Then there’s Greg Van Avermaet, so often the bridesmaid in the Spring races, can he finally grab that elusive big win?
Czech Peter Sagan has stated he is starting Paris-Roubaix purely for experience, but it’s unlikely that the modern day Cannibal will let a winning opportunity pass him by if he puts himself in the right position.
Put this kind of talent alongside two hundred other riders, fifty kilometres of cobbles, nearly a million roadside spectators, and it promises to be one special Sunday in hell.
Join us here on The Roar from 10pm for all the updates as the riders tackle this brutal race.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Thank you for joining me for the 2014 Paris-Roubaix. It has been a long, crazy coverage, but we have enjoyed every minute. Make sure you keep visiting The Roar for not only coverage of the major races, but expert articles and race analysis.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Complete top ten: Niki Terpstra (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) Fabian Cancellara (Trek) Sep Vanmarcke (Belkin) Zdenek Stybar (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) Peter Sagan (Cannondale) Geraint Thomas (Sky) Sebastian Langeveld (Garmin-Sharp) Bradley Wiggins (Sky) Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep).
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
The runner-up was John Degenkolb of Giant-Shimano, who looks like he thought he'd won it. Defending champion Cancellara in third.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Unsure who is second as yet, wasn't televised.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Terpstra has got it! He crosses the line and raises his arm in disbelief!
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Last lap.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Terpstra enters the velodrome!
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Terpstra looks like he has it. Twenty seconds with one and a half kilometres to go.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Cancellara looks like a spent force to me, he is just sat in the group.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Three to go and Terpstra has eighteen seconds!
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Terpstra's gap is increasing! Under four to go!
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Geraint Thomas tries to counter and brings the rest of the group with him! Eleven seconds for Terpstra.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Niki Terpstra has put in a big move off the front!
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
One section of pave left, then next stop the velodrome.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
De Backer is doing the work on the front for Degenkolb.
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
The penultimate section of pave has been reached, maybe another selection?
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
They are together! It's a big front group! Wiggins has gone straight to the front!
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
Boonen's chasing group are nearly back! Ten seconds is the gap!
Tomas Fish
Roar Guru
So, the front group is Sagan, Cancellara, Vanmarcke, Degenkolb and Stybar.
Sean Lee
Expert
Will be a big finish if they can join the front group!