Paris Roubaix 2011

[achaplain]

Where is the best place to watch the Paris-Roubaix? I am more interested in seeing the end of the race once the peloton has been split but not quite the end. Any suggestions?

 

[El Pistolero]

Where is the best place to watch the Paris-Roubaix? I am more interested in seeing the end of the race once the peloton has been split but not quite the end. Any suggestions?

The Velodrome if they have a big screen up there seems like the best place to me.

Otherwise take a look at what cobbled sectors are in the race. Pick out the last hard one.

 

[Anonymous]

Where is the best place to watch the Paris-Roubaix? I am more interested in seeing the end of the race once the peloton has been split but not quite the end. Any suggestions?

Carrefour d'labre either just before or just after the 90 degree left hand turn. It's as rough as Arenberg and very late in the race.

Plus, it's one helluva party (except for last year).

 

[Parrulo]

Carrefour d'labre either just before or just after the 90 degree left hand turn. It's as rough as Arenberg and very late in the race.

Plus, it's one helluva party (except for last year).

ya l'abre is awesome

to think of the way l'abre decided the race in 2009 . . . amazing

 

[paxman]

If ever I had a chance to go, I'd want to see the madness of Arenberg in person.

 

[GreasyMonkey]

If ever I had a chance to go, I'd want to see the madness of Arenberg in person.

As with myself, going this year and staying at Valenciennes, only 5km from the race.

 

[JeffreyPerry]

PR

I was stationed in Germany for 2 years and not once did I go and watch a TDF stage or any of the classics...you won't believe how often I kick myself in the rear for that!!

 

[achaplain]

Carrefour d'labre either just before or just after the 90 degree left hand turn. It's as rough as Arenberg and very late in the race.

Plus, it's one helluva party (except for last year).

what town is the Carrefour d'labre in?

 

[Anonymous]

what town is the Carrefour d'labre in?

Gruson

This is about 200 meters past the left hand turn where Hushovd went down in 2009.

 

[Archibald]

go see it in a few places.
if you have a vehicle, then do the start (sign on) - you've plenty of time to get to the first section, then charge up to Arenberg before then heading up to Carrefour d'larbre...

 

[auscyclefan94]

My dream is just to get to races Like Paris Roubaix one day. I am not bothered where I would watch it!

 

[Archibald]

My dream is just to get to races Like Paris Roubaix one day. I am not bothered where I would watch it!

definately bother about where you're going to watch it. If you're going to travel all that way, then make sure you make the most of it - don't go half-arsed and miss out...

 

[flicker]

definately bother about where you're going to watch it. If you're going to travel all that way, then make sure you make the most of it - don't go half-arsed and miss out...

I will go to someday to the Roubaix. My vantage point; the bar in the film' A Sunday in Hell. ' 15 minutes after the broom wagon passes and I finish my sixth pint, I will follow the race in my 1935 German Gyrocopter.
My pilot and I will land in a farmers field 30 minutes prior to the finish, walk to the Roubaix stadium and settle in there, to cheer on my hero Tomke as he outsprints Pozato, Husofd, Cancellera and Wiggo. Phinney takes the bunch sprint for 5th!

 

[Moncoutie]

I will go to someday to the Roubaix. My vantage point; the bar in the film' A Sunday in Hell. ' 15 minutes after the broom wagon passes and I finish my sixth pint, I will follow the race in my 1935 German Gyrocopter.
My pilot and I will land in a farmers field 30 minutes prior to the finish, walk to the Roubaix stadium and settle in there, to cheer on my hero Tomke as he outsprints Pozato, Husofd, Cancellera and Wiggo. Phinney takes the bunch sprint for 5th!

6th...........

 

[boomcie]

6th...........

No, I get it. Wiggins being all the way up there was a joke

 

[pedaling squares]

No, I get it. Wiggins being all the way up there was a joke

Flicker finished his sixth pint just before he wrote that.

 

[flicker]

Actually, an autogiro like this would be sporty for watching the 'Roubaix.'
I would be in the front "Observation seat' with my jack russel terrier 'Max', filming the 'Roubaix' from the air.
My trusty friend Tin-Tin and his dog 'Snowy' would be piloting.
At 6 key areas of the race we would land and take ground footage.
Of course all the moto drivers would be wearing heavy leather, wearing aviators glasses and drive 1950s BMW and motoguzzi motorcycles. Some are spitting images of Rommel. The film crews would be filming with big 35mm camaras for quality B+W footage.
Of course it would be raining and the road absolutely snot, making for many crashes. Following cars would be old Fiats and 60s Citreons.

 

[Archibald]

 

[pedaling squares]

Great photo Archibald.

I'm guessing Carrefour de l'arbre is a popular enough spot that they erect toilet facilities... is this right? And is there access to food/drink vendors or is it best to bring your own?

 

[Anonymous]

Great photo Archibald.

I'm guessing Carrefour de l'arbre is a popular enough spot that they erect toilet facilities... is this right? And is there access to food/drink vendors or is it best to bring your own?

Last year the Gendarme cracked down on the drinking so you had to bring your own. But in years prior.... the best tailgate party ever. Bands, dancing, food and of course loads of great beer.

I've not heard if the non-drinking effort will be relaxed this year or not. Does anyone know?

 

[Swingtop]

go see it in a few places.
if you have a vehicle, then do the start (sign on) - you've plenty of time to get to the first section, then charge up to Arenberg before then heading up to Carrefour d'larbre...

Me and a friend did the start once, but we did have to rush to get to one of the first pavés because of tailwind for the peloton... Also, be prepared to drive like a maniac (or DS, if you will...), heavy traffic, jams, because the roads are being sealed off for the riders. We actually ended up in the caravan between the riders by accident once (policemen opened the road too soon). We managed to see the riders on 3 pavés, and then went to the velodrome. Exciting day.
Bring a good map, next to satnav. Getting on carrefour with the car is nearly impossible on race day, be there a day early to maybe get a spot between the flemish crowd.

 

[Archibald]

Me and a friend did the start once, but we did have to rush to get to one of the first s because of tailwind for the peloton... Also, be prepared to drive like a maniac (or DS, if you will...), heavy traffic, jams, because the roads are being sealed off for the riders. We actually ended up in the caravan between the riders by accident once (policemen opened the road too soon). We managed to see the riders on 3 pavés, and then went to the velodrome. Exciting day.
Bring a good map, next to satnav. Getting on carrefour with the car is nearly impossible on race day, be there a day early to maybe get a spot between the flemish crowd.

we did the start, the first section of pavé, Arenberg, another section and then the velodrome, and that was in a coach, so I'd expect to see more if you're in a car simply because it'd be far easier to park.
but you'd definately need to plan your route and get your timings right

 

[Anonymous]

The entrance of Mons en Pevele. Stupid rough and long with a couple of 90 degree turns for good measure. If its raining, this sector will be a nightmare.

The last part of Camphin en Pevele is pretty rough and only a couple of Kms before the Carrefour.

Eddy Merckx on the stones in 2010

 

[sky forever]

I think 1 of 4 guys will win this:

Cancellara
Boonen
Hushovd
Flecha

 

[TeoSheva]

I think 1 of 4 guys will win this:

Cancellara
Boonen
Hushovd
Flecha

too easy in this way