Recon of Paris Roubaix

May 26th, 2006Today we drove most of the cobblestone sections of the U23 Paris Roubiax. It was wet and damp, so we decided it's better to drive it and stay warm then risk riding. The race consists of 21 cobbles stone sections adding up to almost 40k. The race is 180k in length, so it's nice long race for sure. We started our reconnaissance at section 14 of 21. The sections count down from 21 so we saw the last 14 cobblestone sections. Section 13 was especially bad; and considering it's name "Des Prieres" which means "The Prayer," should tell you something. It was extremely windy and there were many puddles on the cobbles. It's gonna be gnarly.

We also stopped at the now world famous railroad crossing that got Peter Van Petegem, Leif Hoste, and Gusev Disqualified.

Hasselt-Spa-Hasselt

The weather for race was pretty bad. It was 50 degrees and raining. The race was 166k with a 10k finishing circuit that we did 3 times. After a cold start, I warmed up quick. I made a split in the beginning of the race with maybe 30 riders. It was eventually brought back but not before 5 guys could escape. They stayed away until the finish. On the local laps 18 riders broke away from the main peleton, and stayed away. I finished up like 40th. I was happy with the race especially because I just got off the plane on tuesday. I think it is a good sign for Sunday.

Day before Hasselt-Spa-Hasselt

So now I'm back in belgium and the racing commences tomorrow. The race is Hasselt Spa Hasselt which is a 1.2 top competition. The race covers lots of the same roads and climbs as Liege Baston Liege if that tells you anything. I think the race is around 160k with many climbs, probably 2-5k long. After being back home testing myself against the best crit riders around, this will be my last big race effort before the U23 Paris Roubaix on Sunday. I don't have any more to say really cause that's all I know. Until next time...