GCN Rides The Cobbles Of Paris-Roubaix | Paris-Roubaix Course Preview

Anyone with even a passing knowledge of bike racing is aware that the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix are famously savage and painful, but just how hard are they. Dan and Matt rode the final 95km of the race route to find out!
Subscribe to GCN: gcn.eu/Subscrib...
Register your interest in the GCN Club: gcn.eu/Bz
Get exclusive GCN gear in the GCN shop! gcn.eu/BA
Few parts of the world hold such a draw over cyclists like this former coal mining area of Northern France. The Napoleonic era cobbled roads that criss-cross the region present a challenge unlike any other in our sport, as Dan and Matt found out recently!
Do you want to ride the Pavé of Paris-Roubaix? Or have you already been? Let us know down below 👇
If you'd like to contribute captions and video info in your language, here's the link 👍 gcn.eu/BB
Watch more on GCN...
Gran Canaria Epic Ride gcn.eu/BucketLi...
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphot...
Music:
Out Loud Tonight INSTRUMENTAL - Pure Indigo
Down In The Dirt - oomiee
Pure Gold 1 - Niklas Ahlström
Pure Gold 2 - Niklas Ahlström
Pure Gold 3 - Niklas Ahlström
Wanna Get - Dj Mayson
The Beast 1 - Johannes Bornlöf
About GCN:
The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on KZbin’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!
Welcome to the Global Cycling Network | Inside cycling
Thanks to our sponsors:
Alta Badia: gcn.eu/AltaBadia- // Maratona Dles Dolomites: gcn.eu/Maratona...
Assos of Switzerland: gcn.eu/Assos
KASK helmets: gcn.eu/KASK
fi’zi:k shoes and saddles: gcn.eu/fizikshoes and gcn.eu/fiziksad...
Topeak tools: gcn.eu/Topeak
Canyon bikes: gcn.eu/-Canyon
Quarq: gcn.eu/Quarq
DT Swiss: gcn.eu/DtSwiss
Science in Sport: gcn.eu/SiS
Orbea bikes: gcn.eu/Orbea
Trek Bicycles: gcn.eu/-Trek
Vision wheels: gcn.eu/Vision
Zipp wheels: gcn.eu/Zipp
power2max: gcn.eu/power2max
Wahoo Fitness: gcn.eu/Wahoo-Fi...
Park Tool: gcn.eu/-parktool
Continental tyres: gcn.eu/continen...
Camelbak: gcn.eu/camelbak-
The GCN Club - gcn.eu/club
KZbin Channel - gcn.eu/gcnYT
Facebook - gcn.eu/gcnFb
Instagram - gcn.eu/GCNInsta
Google+ - gcn.eu/gcnGPlus
Twitter - gcn.eu/gcnTW
GMBN Tech - gmbn.tech/subsc...
GCN Tech - gcntech.co/subs...
EMBN - embn.me/subscribe
Leave us a comment below!

[@pobg]

Honestly lads I know I say it a lot but again this is like million dollar Netflix special... but with 2 buzzers doing some serious messing. Loooove it. Thanks for all the great content that we get FOR FREE EVERYDAY FOR 6 YEARS

[@gcn]

Thanks so much pobg. Really great to hear. We have plenty more to come!

[@philg6757]

I hope they have a microphone at the start of the cobbled sections,it will sound funny the whole peleton saying crumbs in unison.

[@hopesprings617]

Crumbs 😂😱😂😱

[@kris.monroe]

CRUMBS!

[@shaunhowarth]

Hi there i did this race as an amateur in 2013. I firstly did the Tour de Flanders then a week later did this one. A fellow road cyclist at work said he had done it in the past and said “no more cobbles for me”. After doing them both in a week i tend to agree with him - great fun though, definitely an experience worth doing. Great videos GCN!!!

[@BillJankowski]

This is still a top 10 GCN video.

[@aa3031]

Rode the Paris Roubaix Challenge this year. 2 sprained wrists and half the skin off my hands later, we made it to the finish. It's a ride everyone should do, but never do twice. Partly my own fault, on an aero bike with 23mm tires run at 100 psi. What was I thinking? However, the feeling of conquering the cobbles and riding around the veledrome is one every rider should witness. So much respect for the pro's that do it. We watched the pros on the Arenburg, the speed they ride at is insane.

[@dannyhanny1191]

Again GCN kicks ass with the music and scenes! Love these types of videos from you guys. Great work Matt and Dan.

[@JillyBean860]

David Hanny Those two have such a great dynamic when they do videos together.

[@tobortine]

When I saw this come up in my list I thought, oh no, not another cobbles video but I really enjoyed it. I think it's mostly just the format of two mates enjoying a great cycling ride together.

[@beeble2003]

"Less sixty k's an hour and more like twenty. Urgh! Crumbs! ... Puncture!" This is why I love GCN. You guys crack me up. Thanks for another great video.

[@gcn]

Haha!! Thanks for your support

[@stevemorgan6733]

I rode the Paris-Roubaix challenge yesterday and now fully know just how tough those cobbled sectors are, respect to anyone that rides them. 😀

[@TroggyPK]

"i had like 55 in the front" NO WONDER YOU PUNCTURED also if anyone was wanting to know song @ 3:45 is "Down in the Dirt - Nicholas ahnstrom"

[@XxXuzurpatorXxX]

55 psi. On cobbles. In 28 mil tyres? That's... brave.

[@craiggreen4388]

Great video. More of this length please, they're fantastic to eat your dinner to.

[@gcn]

Ha! Thanks Craig.

[@sudduthjonathan]

Dan opens with saying Paris Roubaix “wreck-on” (recon)...as a result Matt gets two flats straight away! 🤦🏼‍♂️😁 Great video guys!

[@charlificity]

Seeing this again in 2020, I miss Matt!

[@AndrewGustyn]

Did this same ride with a friend two days before the Tour of Flanders this year. Agree with their comments that nothing prepares you for how rough the Arenberg is. Even the easier cobbled sections are challenging, and I rode it on a Ti Gravel bike with 36mm tires unlike these guys who rode it on 28mm Conti’s. Great video was lots of fun to watch and brought back some great memories.

[@010MACS]

Riding the Paris Rouxbaix sportive a couple of years ago, Arenberg was insane! People tipping off in front of you, etc. Somehow managed to get through with no punctures but the pros the next day were just unreal! Amazing fun!

[@gcn]

Sounds amazing, do you plan to do it again in the future?

[@010MACS]

Global Cycling Network would definitely like to. We did the 90mile medium route - was easier logistics wise as started and ended in Roubaix. Be a good step up to do the full route with all pave, one to aim for!

[@M440iUK]

Did this in 2016 and it was a hard day in the saddle. We had amazing weather and and only 100km in the saddle but I was broken at the end. It's hard to convey just how energy sapping riding on cobbles really is. Well done guys.

[@douglaspate9314]

Awesome video. You guys rock! Music good too. I completed the cyclo-tourist Paris-Roubaix in 1982. One of the absolute most iconic days of my life!

[@JillyBean860]

Douglas Pate I was born in 1982 so that was a great year for both of us 😊

[@NeoPayneHK]

one of my favourite GCN video

[@gcn]

Thanks Neo - we really enjoyed making this one.

[@itsallspent]

Nicely done video. your voices sounded like you were talking in front of a fan. I want to see GCN in Amsterdam on cycle paths and canals

[@Bulldogs98blah]

Two mates having the time of their lives

[@gcn]

It was super fun to ride the cobbles!

[@RM-wl4ly]

Thanks a lot,i really enjoyed that.It really highlighted how hard it actually would be to race that route,and how fit the riders are,plus i enjoyed the banter between the two of you.Great job!

[@jasonsfraser]

OMG, that is truly savage!!! As ever, next level content and production. No stone, or in this case cobble is left unturned in your pursuit of bringing everything that the world of cycling has to offer. Thanks

[@gcn]

Cheers Jasonsfraser, we love to hear such awesome feedback!

[@chucklist3074]

if ever there is a good tubeless testimonial it is Roubaix. I rode it yesterday with great success on 28mm tires and running 50psi in the front 60 in the back. It really felt great and I'm not sore today. And I owe the pressure choices to watching GCN. Thanks guys!

[@gcn]

Great stuff Chuck List 👍

[@nicoleh7499]

Been waiting all day for this video! Can’t wait for Roubaix

[@I_Echion]

Nicole Hogue only couple hours waiting 😊

[@gcn]

We can't wait either. Who's your prediction for the win..?

[@nicoleh7499]

I'd like to see Terpstra pull off a double, but I wouldn't mind Démare winning either!

[@lamismavaca]

Free GCN bottle at 16:28. Amazing ride guys❗️💪🏾🤠

[@benstanden8784]

Absolutely brilliant video! Great mix of history and race preview :)

[@gcn]

Great to hear Ben

[@Sgt6217]

"Punctured legs" I'm going to use that one next time I get dropped LMAO

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Setting myself up for the race watching this again. Superb.

[@DenizOmer]

One of your best videos yet!

[@gcn]

Thanks Deniz, super nice!?

[@luckysi2710]

Thanks a lot guys, from the Philippines😁

[@gcn]

Thanks Lucky Si

[@staceybollinger884]

You GCN Presenters have the best job on the planet! Getting paid to ride the finest bikes in the most iconic places the cycling world has to offer! Keep up the good work, Gentlemen and Lady!!! Ride On!!!!!!!

[@gcn]

Haha, thanks Stacey, plenty more videos on the way 😀

[@Requiredfields2]

I like your humility and sense of humour guys. You never brag or try to show off. In fact, just the opposite.

[@gcn]

Thanks Requiredfields2!

[@jonbellamy6243]

Best ever - loving the music...

[@cyclingnerddelux698]

This got a thumbs up before I even saw it!! Love this sort of content guys! Your crew of commentators rock!

[@I-SHADOW-I]

Glad to see you here in Roubaix! Hope you ll enjoy the race.

[@williamkeys5701]

Really enjoyed this one and it gives a better perspective of just how rough the cobbles are for those of us who will never brave the roads of Northern France to ride them ourselves.

[@gcn]

Thanks William

[@minnahayman8400]

''I'm learning...and getting tired!'' Got to love Matt!!

[@moschmivatec7741]

Massive video, one of the most enjoyable, well done lads !

[@gcn]

Thanks Mo!

[@joshuaprice8171]

Thank you to Matt for determining the low end PSI for cobbles on 28's with clinchers. Couldn't have done it without you.

[@julen2380]

"We're not really cheating. We're just going faster." I actually truly, literally lol'ed at that. Brilliant Matt. Brilliant vid. Agree with the other comments on how enjoyable these longer vids are.

[@gcn]

Great to hear your positive feedback!

[@FlatSpinMan]

Brilliant. One of your best vids. Seeing you guys take on these iconic rides is so interesting and gives great insight into what good riders think and feel on these famous courses.

[@gcn]

Thanks JMS - are you inspired to give it a go yourself!?

[@FlatSpinMan]

Global Cycling Network Living in Japan and New Zealand that's a bit tricky, but one day I'd love to try cycling in Europe.

[@ryanpenney2424]

One of my favorite GCN videos! More content like this!

[@SergioInlight]

great video. shows just how hard this race is!

[@miraq9550]

Fantastic, GCN again combines cycling education, experience and humor in a very entertaining video. Really enjoyed it, Thanks!

[@gcn]

Cheers miraq! Really great to hear you enjoyed the video so much

[@MiguelTorres-hg1kn]

Nice work guys. Thanks from Connecticut USA.

[@petinka721]

Nothing more to wish. Great video on epic roads with amazingly good music and tremendous GCN riders! It has been a shaking well made entreatment!

[@gcn]

Thanks Petinka, we love hearing how much you enjoyed the video!

[@lestandardmaruine]

I thought it was your beer-lifting arm! IM DEADDDDD 🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭

[@stephencollie9449]

Nice to see Matt back fot a guest appearance !!! !!!!

[@daniellopez9622]

Matt punctured at 55psi, why inflating it again at 55?

[@arkaitzlizartza6418]

You are good, really good presenters but so are the editors of the videos... What an amazing video it was this last one!!!!!! I loved it.

[@michaelflood2378]

Great video. Happy memories returned of my best ever day on the bike; Arenberg to Roubaix!

[@Starclimber]

This video was....SUPERNICE! Great job, GCN :)

[@gcn]

Cheers Starclimber!

[@robarmstrong3408]

Great insight into just how are those cobbles are to ride.

[@JillyBean860]

I can barely ride on smooth concrete so I know I'd be in the ER trying to ride on cobbles 😄. You guys make it look so easy.

[@SteveBrill]

Great vid guys. Really good to see it having watched the race

[@somethought]

I love the music in the beginning. So good

[@steamroller72]

Well done gents! Those cobbles are captivating, yet so damn dangerous.

[@gcn]

Cheers steamroller72 - they were super fun to ride on!

[@brandonrittenour]

8:15 - "We're not really cheating, we're just going faster" - Lance Armstrong

[@samtravis4822]

No wonder you keep puncturing at 55psi Matt! Pinch flats galore

[@gkazanjian5976]

All the more, after 2 flats in a few hundred meters, he proceeds to inflate it to 55 PSI yet again. Maybe he enjoys changing tubes.

[@chriswright5429]

Nice seeing Matt in the GCN vids

[@carlosvieira2642]

Gcn presenters challenge needs to be on cobbles! Great video, guys!

[@petinka721]

I agree!

[@markkennedy5712]

Thanks for the preview.

[@theodoreroberts8524]

Really wanting to organise a Flanders/Roubaix long weekend now. Your cobbles season has been inspiring.

[@gcn]

Great to hear Theodore - we have loved making the videos, so its great to hear you have enjoyed watching them.

[@stuartdryer1352]

This video really made it real. How can anyone get through this without crashing? Insane. Great video.

[@gcn]

Thanks Stuart!

[@berotor]

I'd love to watch an interview to those guys of Friends of Paris Roubaix.

[@laradoherty6808]

You know the way many women forget the pain of childbirth, and go on to have more children: I did the P-R sportif 3 years back, and this video has reminded me that I NEVER want to do that EVER again. Hitting the first few meters of the Arenberg resulted PTSD flashbacks.

[@dionysiaex5538]

My favourite GCN video... evar!

[@simonknowles4267]

3:40 that’s one big mini pump.

[@forrest225]

That reaction to hitting the cobbles was priceless!

[@gcn]

😂

[@Cannulae]

Already said but yes, one of GCN’s best videos.

[@gcn]

Cheers Cannulae! Plenty more on their way.

[@QuinnTube2]

Listen to those chains at 16:54. All that muck really got to their bikes!

[@ZeroSeriesMMX]

This is crazy fun. What would make this crazier? Having all 6 presenters race the cobbled length, with Si and Jon responsible with equipment selection.

[@davomccranko]

10:01 Matt's Ultimate 15 seconds of improv 😂😅😂

[@marjanm1132]

When I see you, I must go to also ride this cobbles. Thanks for info

[@cecilhenry9908]

'We're not cheating, we're just going faster'. I like that attitude!!

[@EuanMunro]

Crumbs! 😂 Great save Matt!

[@pabloscope]

Amazing video! Cheers, from Argentina!!

[@gcn]

Thanks Pablo from Argentina!

[@leemetcalfe5755]

Can we not have Matt back for special guest appearances

[@abedfo88]

That Orbea bike is beautiful

[@rrobotman]

Entertaining to watch - well done boys.

[@richfi9576]

never realised before but Matt is quite the cunning linguist

[@nickw6175]

thanks gents you have convinced me to enter the sportive version next year !

[@gcn]

Yes! Let us know how you get on!

[@apocreg11]

Glad to see my DT Swiss wheels could stand up to this... not that I’d go near them 😂🚴🏻‍♂️

[@christoferandersson5294]

Love this course previews!

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@paulfabb2317]

Good stuff boys. Very entertaining!

[@gcn]

Cheers Paul

[@idlemindoftim]

I love it when Matt speaks French

[@jamesraison3845]

brutal is an understatement for that section. No cobble is even the same shape as the next

[@AlienofAndromeda]

Excellent video thanks!

[@LambGiles]

Great video ... good effort.

[@gcn]

Cheers Giles!

[@idlemindoftim]

Quality content, more of this sort of stuff please!

[@gcn]

More on the way Tim!

[@cholamaish8121]

Last year did the 145 course only punctured at the velodrome, bad luck Matt ^^

[@Cotictimmy]

Ooh Ooh Crumbs! I am missing Matt from the current programmes.

[@soapkingzzr]

Nice ! Definitely a bucket list ride , but don’t think I’d ever attempt it on carbon ! I’ll go straight up Rain Man on you : Definately , definitely steel ! Probably equally about the tires and rims . Many Kudos

[@mattkemp2749]

Rode the Paris-Roubaix Challenge again on Saturday, then followed the pros on Sunday and found it both as brutal, memorable and enjoyable as ever. How come you pair of lightweights only rode from the Arenberg? There's a distinct difference between the terrain of the earlier sectors of pavé and that of the latter sectors. Once again though, a great video. Thanks.

[@nigelgittins]

Thank you GCN

[@perryroobay]

"You’re a top class banker" 😂😂😂

[@SkeetSystem]

"I thought that was your beer lifting arm?" LMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAO

[@gcn]

😂🍻

[@arneseys4729]

I've ridden the forrest of arenberg (or tried to) and i love my bike to much to do it again...

[@jimbojet8728]

Great vid fellas. Thanks. I didn’t realise just how knobbly those cobbled roads are, even so, the speed they hit and ride them? How do they do it?

[@gcn]

Cheers Jimbojet!