This Sunday is the final cobbled classic of the spring and one of the biggest monuments in cycling, Paris Roubaix.
The 111th Paris-Roubaix will be another very tough edition, covering 254.5km, of which 52.6km are on cobbles. At 98.5km into the race the action will heat up, and the route will feature 27 cobbled sectors from then on. After 158km the peloton will enter one of the most famous sections and the first five-star section, the Forest of Arenberg, covering a distance of 2.4km. After that there are two additional five-star sections, at 205km and 236.5km, before the riders reach the velodrome.
Team Argos-Shimano has built a team around John Degenkolb. “We want to continue our upward trajectory of the last few races (De Panne, Tour of Flanders and Scheldeprijs). In those races we really rode as a team. I think it is very realistic to aim for a top-10 place,” said sports manager Marc Reef.
“John has shown that he is getting into top shape after taking 9th place in the Tour of Flanders, and this course suits him even better than the Tour of Flanders. He will need the full support of the team to position him well, as positioning is one of the decisive factors in this race. He needs to be sure that he is in the front of the race entering the final cobbled sections to get a good result. If it ends up in a sprint he is a dangerous outsider.”
Degenkolb said: “I will definitely be aiming for a top-10 place; the form is good enough for me to be there and reach the finale. We have done everything we could in preparation. We already started testing all the equipment in January, as you need special frames, tires and wheels. I am confident about not only my own form but also that of my teammates. They are strong enough to bring me to the finale and also to support me in the finale.
Paris-Roubaix (07.04.2013)
Argos Shimano Riders:
Bert de Backer (BEL)
Will Clarke (AUS)
Roy Curvers (NED)
John Degenkolb (GER)
Koen de Kort (NED)
Ramon Sinkeldam (NED)
Tom Stamsnijder (NED)
Tom Veelers (NED)
RADIOSHACK LEOPARD TREK for Paris-Roubaix (France) – UCI WorldTour (April 6):
Riders: Fabian Cancellara, Stijn Devolder, Markel Irizar, Bob Jungels, Yaroslav Popovych, Gregory Rast, Hayden Roulston & Jesse Sergent.
