A Weekend In Hell! | Paris-Roubaix 2024 Preview

It's time for a weekend in hell! A visit to the most brutal and iconic cobbles in cycling is due, with Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift back again for 2024. Dan is here with everything you need to know about the routes including a sector-by-sector of bone-rattling pavés, and discusses the main contenders for both races!
Welcome 0:00
Paris Roubaix 2024 men's route 0:23
Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift 2024 route 5:08
Follow Paris Roubaix with GCN 5:40
Paris Roubaix 2024 men's favourites 6:10
Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift 2024 favourites 12:43
GCN Predictions 15:57
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[@daniellloyd100]

Once again, some changes have happened since we recorded this! Race organisers ASO have, at the request of the CPA (riders union) introduced a chicane just ahead of the Arenberg sector. It's less of a chicane and more of a deviation that includes a u-turn. It's been a bit controversial, some arguing that the reduced speed into the Arenberg will be for the better, others saying that it just moves the danger a little further forward. We'll see on Sunday, but safe to say they won't be hitting the Arenberg at 55kph as I said they would. The other change is that Elisa Longo Borghini, winner of Flanders last weekend and this race two years ago, has decided to stick with her original plan of skipping Roubaix to concentrate on the upcoming Ardennes classics. A shame, in my opinion, she'd have had a great chance of a second win on Saturday. Apart from that, I think we are factually correct! Dan

[@D0nKeY]

Also, Mohoric wont be riding due to injuries sustained last week.

[@dceperley]

MVDP better practice the chicane, or he may end up on his back like he did at the Olympics ;-)

[@adam-qu6dh]

that chicane is probably the worst idea ever that the organisers came up with. seems much more dangerous than the cobbles.

[@rderouck]

"The Espace Charles Crupelandt section in Roubaix is man-made and a couple of hundred metres long." It's amazing how nature created all those other cobbled roads. (We still love you, Dan ❤)

[@daniellloyd100]

Doh!!!

[@twatts4436]

Given the state of them, you'd think the cobbles fell out of the sky one day!

[@esmec4928]

@@daniellloyd100 But it makes sense though! I knew exactly what Dan meant when he said this section was man made haha

[@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589]

I thought he meant by aliens.

[@teuast]

Bettiol deserves something after how ballsy his ride at Flanders was. Definitely rooting for him.

[@rubenlievenspiano]

5:00 man-made? as opposed to naturally occuring cobbled secteurs? 😆

[@chrisridesbicycles]

That‘s what I thought. Naturally grown, organic cobblestones. Yummy!

[@levbobrov1398]

Different appellation maybe? 😂

[@rubenlievenspiano]

@@chrisridesbicycles In Flanders, we eat them for breakfast 😎

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@rubenlievenspiano I had the impressions it‘s mud and cow poop when I was freezing in the rain last Saturday. 🙃

[@meccanised]

I think he means, mass produced and possibly repetitive, not natural stone of varying width or heights laid with randomness by hand.

[@claytonjones5857]

Thanks for posting this Dan, new to cycling (at 62 😂) but fascinated by cycle racing and struggling a bit getting my head around all the anomalies and lingo. If you get a chance a video explaining all the terms, body language, tactics etc for us newbies would be much appreciated. If you pass an obvious newbie with a huge grin cycling around the New Forest give me a wave. Thanks guys love your channel. Clay

[@dennisvdg009]

As newbie, you might fall in love with Paris Roubaix. Go watch the old documentary on it from the 1976, you will love it;'A Sunday in Hell'

[@claytonjones5857]

@@dennisvdg009 thanks Dennis I will do that. Funny enough I watched the femmes yesterday on Discovery + oh my word what an amazing race. Looking forward to today.

[@richardwallace133]

Well put! “Hard enough to ride , let alone race”

[@318ishonk]

With recent developments it seems like riders with special U-turn capabilities are in the best position for this race. Maybe a case for British politicians?

[@richardmead8851]

😂

[@theupperechelon7634]

Underrated comment.

[@gordonong943]

Always well done Daniel, look forward the the race on Sunday and the recap on Monday. Cheers, Gordo from City Bicycle Works in the USA. 🤙😎

[@raykleiner3151]

Thank you for covering also the women's event. There should be much more coverage of the women's side of this sport as it is less predictable given the talent on show.

[@dreimer2112]

Damn I miss you and the GCN+ crew's race coverage.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Dan and crew

[@dennisbean-larson2403]

Have totally missed GCN, happy to see you again.

[@Dennis-gr8ex]

Everyone vs MvdP

[@Lion-wd1px]

im with mvdp

[@Astronomater]

Yup. Same considering his cyclocross domination this winter

[@DailyRunRide]

I'm really hoping to witness Degenkolb clinch another victory at P-R. Last year was a bit of a letdown, especially considering he was in absolutely stellar form-I truly thought he had it in the bag! But this time around, I'll be wholeheartedly cheering him on, even though my rational side might lean towards MVDP. Let's see if Degenkolb can reclaim his glory this time!

[@gmoney577]

You're the BEST Dan!

[@micheltenvoorde]

Love this preview ❤

[@stuartbennett4476]

Wishing the riders mainly a safe ride on Sunday. After yesterday, my thoughts are first and foremost to the safety of the riders ❤

[@foolianajarley]

Love all of the women's cycling coverage - thank you!

[@Astronomater]

Rooting for a jackson repeat

[@MarcovandenHout]

AFAIK Groupama is just a small 'partner' of the FDJ-Suez team, but I do think Grace Brown can surprise us.

[@jahntitiwu646]

MvdP for men's seems about right, but I'll be pulling for Action Jackson for the women!

[@gcnracing]

Action Jackson, we like the sound of that 🙌

[@jahntitiwu646]

@@gcnracing she's The Queen!

[@HansterHorst]

I cannot wait for Puck Pieterse to take on this race, hopefully next year

[@BreakawayB]

🎇 SpongeBob meme: *I’M READY - I’M READY - I’M READY!!!* 🧽

[@gcnracing]

Always a good days racing! 🙌

[@mgr741]

Bjerg for the win!

[@ghx783]

I love it how Dan apologised for his French, but his French pronunciation efforts are difficult to fault, despite perhaps not being perfect (it all sounded perfect to me)!

[@TheSlowoldman]

I would love to see Degenkolb get another P-R win. Last year was such a disappointment, he was on SUPER form and I believe he had a shot! I'll be rooting for him with my heart, my head says MVDP.

[@johnandrews3568]

If Connor's position was any more upright, he may as well be riding a dutch city bike.

[@carlosaguirre9643]

You finally enunciate English...congrats! 👍

[@eltribun]

Afaik they have planned a chicane before Arenberg to slow the riders down.. like a u turn they said at lanterne rouge...

[@gcnracing]

It'll be interesting to see if that helps make it safer 👀

[@user-gb3kq3yj4v]

Then it will become a race to be first to the chicane.

[@tubbytoast2]

Thanks Dan , nothing wrong with going rouge

[@FT__Cool_Stuff______-of5pi]

@3:23 omg that is so much bending of the steer tube/stem

[@graymcmic1419]

Suspension stem.

[@dilligaf2818]

I'd luv to see Lucinda Brand or Shirin win if not an Aussie.

[@graymcmic1419]

SvA not racing

[@whatwelearned]

I know she's not in it but I'll be cheering for Niewiadoma 😁

[@kristofbe1]

5:00 "which is man-made", aren't they all man-made? I don't think cobbled roads appear in nature.

[@user-iz7vg2ds8c]

Fpiefer and Fred for the wins. Show those stripes off on the podiums!!

[@jonniepalmer]

Interesting how the last coble section is 'manmade' Dan. 😜

[@simonpeeters3674]

Mohoric just announced on his IG that he won’t be starting on Sunday sadly

[@gcnracing]

😢 Could he have got the win?

[@alinapopescu872]

So, Simon was right about Kopecky.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I‘ll go for Vos and Milan.

[@hansolo2121]

Vos*

[@chrisridesbicycles]

@@hansolo2121 Fixed

[@GeekonaBike]

The only way Saturday can top last year is if it's AJ again

[@SuperNoname17]

It's not possible that MVDP will win this race without "extra" help !!!

[@chones_]

ANYONE to win except SD WORX PLEASE.

[@stijma]

Nothing about Tim Merlier?

[@daniellloyd100]

I should definitely have mentioned him. The good news is that because I didn't, he's got a much better chance of winning.

[@gcnracing]

@@daniellloyd100 We might have to ask you to stop presenting the racing news show 🤣

[@BillyJoeBob-tv6co]

EPO's w/ blocker drugs is the main problem for 2024

[@user-uc5um3io2j]

I wonder what sort of ‘preparations’ will be made prior to the race. 🤔

[@gcnracing]

Who are your race winner predictions for 2024? Share them with us 👇

[@iansingleton]

Shirin Van Anrooij and Jasper Philipsen!

[@stevozrepto5558]

Is Pidcock riding

[@raffmuneton3456]

J. Milan and L. Brand

[@dutchy1645]

Josh Tarling? Cute little British predicition

[@gcnracing]

Hahah yes! Could be a great bet for the day! One strong cyclist 🙌

[@bobroberts5820]

Tarling is a pretty ridiculous beast. And still a relatively unknown quantity. He could win or he could totally capitulate it's an interesting prediction imho

[@rlm4471]

He was discussed a little on Lanterne Rouge. They said he has huge steady power, but no ability to attack.

[@laviniag8269]

@@gcnracing is ganna racing PR? bc without him ineos are really rather weak for sunday in terms of support for Tarling

[@markbooth6745]

Can't wait to see it. Don't now how I'm going to see it ,now gcn+ has gone. But there you go.🤔😥😥

[@gcnracing]

We hope you find a way! You won't want to miss it 🙌

[@Djuntas]

Tiz cycling enjoy

[@rjzeph6199]

@@Djuntaswhat’s tiz cycling?

[@Djuntas]

@@rjzeph6199 Just google it. I used it for many years.

[@andrasszabo1570]

@@rjzeph6199 google is your friend. Tiz cycling will be, too.

[@andyc9187]

So basically the list of potential favourites is, ……. Everyone! 😅

[@pizzadog50]

tim merlier for the win

[@willjones7132]

For the bandwagon whiners who think this is an "unsafe" race: people get injured at all sorts of bike races, including indoor velodrome; go find a different sport to watch if you're so worried, these are professionals who choose to race and get paid well to do it; people get hurt riding bikes, it's inherently dangerous, and negotiating those dangers are pat of the skills being put to the test in every race; the world isn't padded, live with it, or go watch e-sports and sleep well knowing there is less likelihood of injury (yeah people will always find a way to sustain injuries no matter how padded you want the world to be) with virtual equity of skill to keep "safe". BTW: Great preview of this epic race!

[@bentaylor2607]

I understand what you’re saying about extra safety potentially being a slippery slope and compromising the spirit of cycling. However, simple changes that guarantee more rider safety is a good thing in my book. Especially after seeing what happened today in Itzulia.

[@dennisvdg009]

I don't think you've ever cycled over wet Roubaix cobbles. It's different than asphalt you know.. there were people like you when the helmet got introduced. Don't be silly. People break all kinds of bones, making it slightly safer every year is a great improvement.

[@marcdaniels9079]

@@bentaylor2607 There are no changes which guarantee safer racing … other than not racing. People choose to participate in many sporting ( and other ) activities that are inherently hazardous. It’s just the way things are. Of course there are measures which could be considered to decrease the possibility of crashes but it’s so hard to decide where to draw the line… too much rain? Too much wind ? Too cold ? Too fast? I did a sportive in Rio de Janeiro using the same descent where a rider died in the Olympics; the organisers considered not including this but there was an outcry from participants who wanted to race the Olympic course…they did neutralise the time of the descent for us which made sense.

[@dmach83]

Yup just look at roches latest post and a ex pro even he gets it …… keep the riders safe so they can ride flat out

[@sativagirl1885]

Q: has anyone ever finished Paris-Roubaix in last place more than once?

[@samh2023]

"man made" unlike the other sections that just grew naturally?

[@gcnracing]

I was having a(nother) brain fart. Dan

[@samh2023]

@@gcnracing it happens. I knew what you meant to say though

[@samh2023]

Fyi: They aren't going to hit the Arenberg sector at full speed because this year they put in a chicane to slow down the peloton before reaching that particular sector.

[@mb10kx]

thx

[@DaanHoogland]

"..which is man made and only.." 😂, the rest is not made by man it seems.

[@TnFruit]

GCN just call all riders as favorite 😂

[@iansingleton]

Wouldn't that be something if Tarling won! He's got the engine, he needs (like everyone else) a lot of luck to be there at the end! He needs to latch on to another team cos Ineos are terrible. They don't have the man power or cleverness to back him up! My pick ... Jasper (not the Desaster!). He looked good yesterday at Scheldeprijs even though he didn't win but he'll have the main man (mvdp) controlling things and pulling for him on Sunday! Jasper Philipsen to win the men's. Shirin Van Anrooij to win the women's! 2 second places and only beaten in the sprint. She'll win solo on Satdy!

[@dantegarcia878]

Without rain, Pàris Roubaix is reduced to sprint stage. Boring to say the least.

[@user-uc5um3io2j]

The winner will be whoever has the best nutrition.

[@israel_started_it_ALL_in_1948]

Bring it!

[@we1rd92]

Whats up with the audio? You can do better than that...

[@testetetet7504]

sounds good here

[@we1rd92]

@@testetetet7504 nah the acoustic noise is crazy

[@awildcyclistappears]

I am sorry, but I never enjoy watching this race. The reason for this - the race is dangerous due to nature of cobblestones and how the risk of serious injuries/accidents grows with bad weather hitting the fan. I hope nothing serious will happen to any of the riders. I myself will just go for a long ride and watch highlights.

[@AutiSam1974]

I love you GCN but its weird that you didn't leave it another 24h before final edit and upload, whats the rush? You're making yourselves look a bit silly.

[@robbyrogersberg1520]

Allison Jackson will never win again unless the stars line up for her again, most luckiest winner in cycling history (females)

[@MarcovandenHout]

Most of that win came from determination, not luck.

[@robbyrogersberg1520]

@@MarcovandenHout so we should see her win it again then, 🤣

[@MarcovandenHout]

@@robbyrogersberg1520 Wait and see...

[@graymcmic1419]

I hope you're right, sick of her childish dancing and mockery of the Roubaix cobble last year

[@SomeYouTubeGuy]

Next time discuss the womens race first especially as they race before the men.

[@adityagupta101]

Find it strange for the women's race to be mentioned before the men's race in the introduction. The latter is the real Paris Roubaix and the women's race is at best a version of it. I am excited for the women's race but these are 2 different events in my book.

[@SamHulse]

They mentioned it first because it happens first…

[@gcnracing]

We disagree. Both are extremely tough races! We're in awe of every pro that lines up to take on this cobbled epic 🤯 Although the women's race hasn't been around as long as the mens - it's no less of a race and produces exciting action ever year 🙌 We can't wait for the weekend. Will you be watching both?

[@whatwelearned]

What sort of bumbling sexist nonsense is this?

[@dennisgreene5055]

macho macho man!!! Keep these moronic comments to yourself, por favor

[@wimve4719]

@@gcnracing Thank you for that well grounded answer to this relic 💯