A couple of hours ahead of the Men Elite race, 130 U23 riders fought their way to the famous Roubaix Velodrome. With 164km and 24 cobble sections on the menu, the experience was as brutal as beautiful.
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8.04.2024
Six riders were on the start line in Le Cateau Cambresis (from left to right): Victor Benareau (SUI), Frederik Grann Lykke (DEN), Roman Holzer (SUI), Joël Tinner (SUI), Juan David Sierra (ITA) and Aivaras Mikutis (LTU).
Last preparations, last rituals, last discussions. Pressure is palpable among riders and staff in the morning of the race. Paris-Roubaix is like no other race.
Expecting a fast start, the riders warmed up on rollers before heading to the start line.
The last few days before the race were really wet. Luckily the sky cleared up and the cobbles were dry on race day, making for a faster race and less slipery conditions.
However, the pavement remained tricky with countless holes and puddles.
Our riders have mixed fortunes including flat tires and a crash. Nothing surprising for Paris-Roubaix, one would say.
All in all, it was a tough day out there. And the support of Swiss fans alongside the road did not help much unfortunately.
Joël Tinner rode Paris-Roubaix for the third time already (once as Junior and twice as U23) but the race remains very special to him: "The atmosphere on the popular sectors such as Carrefour de l'Arbre is unique, something I've never experienced in any other race. However, the race is very hard on the body. My hands, arms and back hurt the most. I can still feel it the day after. But entering the Velodrome in Roubaix is a great moment - when you make it."
