Painful, brutal and dirty - that's how Paris-Roubaix has been described since its beginnings. Even in the 21st century, the race has retained its martial character. Tom Boonen has chosen the 115th edition as the last race of his long and successful career - admittedly with ambitions of victory. After an unfortunate Tour of Flanders (Boonen only finished 37th, but at least helped team-mate Philippe Gilbert to victory), "Tommeke" wants to bid farewell to professional cycling with a victory in his favourite race. Bonnen can rely on a strong team for his last ride: Zdenek Stybar, Niki Terpstra and Matteo Trentin are so strong that they would probably be riding on their own account in other teams.
From a German perspective, John Degenkolb, who was the second German to win the race in 2015, is particularly noteworthy. He will be joined in the Trek-Segafredo jersey by the experienced Koen De Kort and talented Jasper Stuyven, among others. Tony Martin also wants to be at the front of the race, but has lost ground in the previous classics - he also has a strong captain in Norwegian Alexander Kristoff. Also to watch out for in the battle for the podium: Dylan Van Baarle from Cannondale-Drapac, fourth in the Tour of Flanders, BMC all-purpose weapon Greg Van Avermaet, who has already won three spring classics this year, and world champion Peter Sagan from the German team Bora-hansgrohe.
- Start Compiègne, 10:55 a.m.
- Goal Roubaix velodrome, between 16:55 and 17:30
- Route length 257 kilometres
- Cobblestones 29 pavée sectors with a total length of 55 kilometres
- German winners Josef Fischer (at the first edition in 1896) and John Degenkolb (2015)
- Record winner Tom Boonen and Roger De Vlaeminck (four wins each)
- TV Eurosport broadcasts live from 11:00 am
- more information http://www.letour.fr/paris-roubaix/
The decisive race kilometres in the overview map:
