2018 Paris - Roubaix

[krakenKE]

Voted for Stybar, I have a feeling this will finally be his year. Of course there is a good chance we can see repeat of 2014 Terpstra winning scenario. If Oss does not repeat what he did last year or BMC uses Greg's helpers well QS rider will win. If it comes to a Velodrome small group sprint Sagan should and will be there. But can he win? Unfortunately I think he will be spent. GVA or Demare would beat him.

 

[Red Rick]

It's a lot harder to just take off in Paris Roubaix. I'm sure everyone will be gunning for Terpstra's wheel.

 

[Max Rockatansky]

 

[Brullnux]

I don't understand why people want rain so much. The best race in many years was '16, which was impeccably sunny. Rain won't guarantee a good race; especially if the sectors are considered too dangerous to race.

 

[tobydawq]

Re:

I don't understand why people want rain so much. The best race in many years was '16, which was impeccably sunny. Rain won't guarantee a good race; especially if the sectors are considered too dangerous to race.

Probably because it takes people back in time and assures iconic images.

The Tour stage in 2014 proved how spectacular a race rainy conditions may provide.

And I don't think they will take out a significant amount of cobbles in the event of rain. This is a monument and although the Extreme Weather Protocol does not officially differentiate between races, I think there is an accept that the big one-day races will be raced as planned almost no matter what.

 

[RedheadDane]

Re:

Bore has to get smart. They cannot keep Burghardt and Oss alongside Sagan for the whole race until they'll be dropped like in Flanders. They have to attack with them even before arenberg, it's the only way to brake the quickstep superiority. Last sunday they were chasing with Oss at 50 from the finish, why? Let Quickstep do the work, and attack from far with Oss, Burghadt, Bodnar... otherwise it'll be the same scenario of Flanders

Now you're being a bit harsh towards their racing style.

 

[Netserk]

Re:

I don't understand why people want rain so much. The best race in many years was '16, which was impeccably sunny. Rain won't guarantee a good race; especially if the sectors are considered too dangerous to race.

2016 had the most mud since the last rainy edition, afaik.

 

[May0maniac]

How many races have flat cobbles that are even comparable to the Roubaix cobbles?
I know that the amaateur race Pagus Neletizi - Die Hölle des Ostens uses the cobbles of the Lüneburger Heide that are somehow comparable.
Back in the 90ies the Giro del Lazio, later known as Roma Maxima, also used some of the really nasty cobbles of the Via Appia Antica, here's a short video, but other than that I can't think of many races that use cobbles that are comparable to those that we see in Paris-Roubaix.

 

[Brullnux]

Re: Re:

I don't understand why people want rain so much. The best race in many years was '16, which was impeccably sunny. Rain won't guarantee a good race; especially if the sectors are considered too dangerous to race.

2016 had the most mud since the last rainy edition, afaik.

Oh peak you're right, I thought that was last year. The day itself though was sunny, though.

 

[120mmStem]

TRUTH

 

[Jspear]

Re:

I don't understand why people want rain so much. The best race in many years was '16, which was impeccably sunny. Rain won't guarantee a good race; especially if the sectors are considered too dangerous to race.

I understand the desire for rain - the only reason I might hesitate to wish for it now, is if they canceled cobbled sectors because people don't know how to race in harsh conditions anymore.

 

[Zoetemelk-fan]

And wind "speeds" of just 1-3 m/s accorcing to latest weather forecast :-(

 

[Kwibus]

And wind "speeds" of just 1-3 m/s accorcing to latest weather forecast :-(

Thats better than a headwind.

 

[Kwibus]

Qs will race just like Flanders I think. Not letting the break go until about 70km to go, unless they manage to get a rider like Senechal or Lampaert in it, but I dont see that happening.

So they will fatigue the bunch again, just like flanders, except the weather wont help them this time.

 

[Laplaz]

I wouldn't rule out Stuyven, he is always better in Roubaix than in Flanders, where he was in the Sagan group.

 

[rick james]

A lot of the recon rides I've seen on Instagram it looks a mud bath

 

[Climbing]

Please God of Cycling, gimme a rainy Roubaix! :twisted:

 

[GP Blanco]

Maybe the Amis de Paris-Roubaix have to throw a lot of mud on the secteurs at Saturday night.

 

[Pricey_sky]

Looks like they are cleaning up the worst parts;

https://t.co/yGsZppoo2S

 

[Flamin]

Boonen had some interesting remarks about the bad weather from the past weeks and how it could hamper the sparks of that super form you need to make the difference.

Now with the good weather coming up for Sunday, maybe we could see some guys who don't like the cold and rain step up a notch. GVA for example.

 

[Dekker_Tifosi]

Re:

Please God of Cycling, gimme a rainy Roubaix! :twisted:

No, not this year, that would be unfair to Lars Boom who has been hoping for a wet Roubaix for years. :lol:

He only got a wet TDF cobble stage instead. All other PR were (mostly) dry

 

[LaFlorecita]

I'm hoping for a wet Roubaix so we can see STYBAR action

 

[Gigs_98]

I wonder how big the likelihood is to pick one day somewhere in the beginning of april every year for 17 years and always pick a dry one.

 

[rghysens]

Re:

I'm hoping for a wet Roubaix so we can see STYBAR action

Or, slightly more likely nowadays, Wout Van Aert.
Don't get me wrong: Stybar is good, but Van Aert gives me a little bit better impression

 

[SafeBet]

I wonder how big the likelihood is to pick one day somewhere in the beginning of april every year for 17 years and always pick a dry one.

March and April are actually the driest months in that area.
But yeah, it's still very unlikely.