We’re motoring. The lead Mavic car has a puncture (ironic, no?). We’re needed at the sharp end. Move on up.
The punters at the roadside are utterly oblivious to the speed of the convoy, and our car in particular. Get back! Please!
FUCK! How did we miss that rider/team car/spectator? Tonio Pacheco is either the best driver in the world or a madman. What’s that? He’s driven more than 30 editions of Roubaix? Kelly’s mechanic for both his victories here? Okay. Relief. No. Wait. FUCK!
I want to get out. I want to go home. I want to get as far as possible from this MADNESS.
This is the most exhilarating experience of my entire life. I can never watch Roubaix on television again. I want to stay in this race FOREVER. I’m going to push my feet straight through the footwell and tear off the door handle if I don’t relax.
The Cofidis rider pushed by his mechanic nearly comes to grief in the rapidly slowing convoy. Somehow he slows the bike in time: arse hung over the back wheel, knees locked out, weaving left and right. Everything happens in a split second.
Policeman ahead. We’re travelling at 140kph through a village. The car was sideways a moment ago as we tried to straightline a roundabout. The gendarme must have seen it. He’s flagging us down. No. Wait. He’s waving us through. This is Roubaix. Normal rules do not apply.
Cobbles. Relax. Tonio can’t overtake here. Shit. Forget that. He’s put two wheels on the verge. Now he’s accelerating. The spectators are mesmerised by the yellow car. Get back! Get back!
Dust. Now we can’t see. An inch from the end of the bonnet are racing cyclists and massive crowds. Tonio doesn’t lift for a second.
Rider ahead. Arm raised. Slowing down. So are we. Who is it? Doesn’t matter. Superstar or domestique, it’s the same deal: he needs a wheel. Our man Jerome Terrienne sends him on his way while I’m still trying to work out who he is. Neutral service, they call it. Apt.
Rider lying in the road ahead. Foetal position. Don’t look, don’t look. Horrible. Someone help him. Please.
Barriers on the Arenberg. Thank fuck for that. No one will be killed.
The convoy is a race within a race, but no racing driver in the world would accept these conditions. “Lampposts, you say? Pedestrians? No run off areas? And hundreds of cyclists on the circuit? Forget it.”
A rival team offers a Giant-Alpecin rider a bidon as he slides between team cars. Nice gesture, but akin to offering an ice cream cone to a man searching for the exit to a burning building. He has other things on his mind.
Whooooaaaa! Tonio decelerates from mach five to bring the car to a halt one inch from the door of a team car as the convoy queues for a secteur. The driver doesn’t even turn to look at us. Silence in the Mavic car. Then an laughter explodes. That was close.
If you drove like this on an open road, you’d be jailed or banned for life. Or jailed for life.
Watch the helicopter to gauge the distance to the leaders. Very close. It’s low and staring right at us. Menacing.
Seb Piquet on Radio Tour. Class.
Stragglers ahead. A Trek rider handslings his Topsport partner through as they fight their way back to the peloton. Team loyalties count for nothing among the foot soldiers at Roubaix.
The hand written “Vive Wallers” sign held up by a local at the entrance to 17 is way more impressive than the ready-made “Wiggo” boards that many of the travelling punters are carrying. Biro beats manufactured support every time.
John Gadret is a fucking WARRIOR. Nothing but skin, bone and tattoos. He seems actually to be enjoying this.
Tonio is coaching the young driver of the other remaining Mavic car, a former Drapac rider, over the radio. He’s just driven his first Pais Basque, but Roubaix is another magnitude. My French is shitty, but even I can understand “Maxime. Klaxon. Avancer.” Translation: get on the horn, Max, and fight your way through.
Almost every secteur ends with a 90-degree bend. As if this wasn’t already hard enough.
Daniel Oss dismounts and removes his front wheel in a single movement. Pro-ness involves a lot more than pedalling.
Sheesh! Astana’s Ruslan Tleubayev makes the most amazing save: braking, locking up, his back wheel at 45 degrees to his front as the Movistar car brakes heavily in front of him. He even finds time to raise a hand in disgust.
Roubaix is the world’s longest criterium for riders dropped from the peloton. Sprint into secteurs, sprint from corners, sprint up the hilly village roads. Recover on the cobbles.
The punters do not see us if we’re following a rider. The car is bright yellow and we’re an inch behind the guy they’re cheering, but they only have eyes for the man on the bike. Cool, but dangerous.
Carrefour de l’Arbre. Crowds as large as the Arenberg, but no barriers. Careful, people.
If you put a “civilian” driver in the Paris-Roubaix convoy, someone would be killed. The Mavic drivers have all worked in cycling for years, or been pro riders; even the youngest of them. Impressive.
Read: The last wet Paris-Roubaix
Yikes! Closing in on Gediminas Bagdonas at 140kph. He’s glued to the bumper of the Ag2r team car, but his DS has seen us in the mirror, and moves a fraction to the right, pulling Bagodonas with him, as if on a string, granting us the two inches we need to pass them on the inside without slowing down.
Race radio. Degenkolb has won. It feels like news from another country.
The velodrome. Drained, exhilarated, and still alive. I’M ALIVE! Let’s do it again.
This design is incredible! You obviously know how to keep a reader amused.
Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!)
Excellent job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you
presented it. Too cool!
Wonderful goods from you, man. I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just
too wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart.
I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.
Hello, i believe that i saw you visited my web site thus i came to go back the desire?.I am trying to find issues to enhance my website!I guess its ok to make use of some
of your concepts!!
Hi there! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would
be okay. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful article.
Thanks for supplying these details.
I always used to read post in news papers but now as I am a
user of net thus from now I am using net for content, thanks to web.
Hurrah, that’s what I was seeking for, what a stuff! existing here at
this webpage, thanks admin of this website.
Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring
on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same information you discuss and would really like
to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would enjoy your work.
If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to send me an email.
excellent points altogether, you simply gained a new reader.
What would you suggest in regards to your publish that you simply made some days ago?
Any sure?
Hello! I’ve been reading your web site for some time now and
finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from
Lubbock Texas! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Hey there! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs up for your
excellent information you have here on this post. I will be
coming back to your blog for more soon.
Il Viagra Funziona Sempre Donde Comprar Levitra Espana cialis generic First Trusted Rx Fedex Pyridium Cod Low Price With Overnight Delivery Child Dosage For Amoxicillin
Low Price Propecia La Mejor Viagra Natural viagra Viagra Cealis Canada Levitra Mode Emploi Amoxicillin Diarrhea
Because the admin of this website is working, no
question very quickly it will be famous, due to its quality contents.
My family every time say that I am wasting my time here
at net, except I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading thes good articles or reviews.
Wonderful beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend
your site, how could i subscribe for a blog site? The account helped me a acceptable deal.
I had been a little bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea
I constantly spent my half an hour to read this blog’s articles every day along
with a cup of coffee.
On Line Hydrochlorothiazide Direct Canada Delivered On Saturday Amoxicillin Get High Acheter Viagra Legalement cialis generic Zithromax Cost At Walmart
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon every day.
It will always be exciting to read through articles from other writers and practice a little
something from other websites.
Priligy Senza Ricetta Medica Obestat No Prescription viagra vs cialis Cialis Y Viagra Generico Misoprostol 200 Mcg Tab
This post will assist the internet users for setting up new blog or even a weblog from start
to end.
Finasteride 10mg popular pills online buy priligy usa Discount Online Cialis Propecia Samples Side Effects Old Cephalexin
Nice response in return of this issue with real arguments and telling everything concerning that.
I do consider all the ideas you have introduced to your post.
They’re very convincing and can definitely work. Nonetheless,
the posts are too brief for newbies. May you please lengthen them a bit from next
time? Thank you for the post.
Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up.
The words in your post seem to be running off the screen in Ie.
I’m not sure if this is a formatting issue or something to do
with browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know.
The design and style look great though! Hope you get the
problem solved soon. Many thanks
I could not refrain from commenting. Perfectly written!
Pills Liberty Gabapentin Order Propranolol Uk online pharmacy Viagra Am Flughafen Tijuana Mexico Mail Order Pharmacies
What’s up colleagues, how is everything, and what you wish for to say
regarding this piece of writing, in my view its really remarkable in favor
of me.
Outstanding quest there. What occurred after? Thanks!
pof natalielise
Good day! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks plenty of fish natalielise
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I actually enjoyed
reading it, you may be a great author.I will be sure to
bookmark your blog and definitely will come back later on. I
want to encourage you continue your great work, have a nice day!
Hi, after reading this awesome post i am as well cheerful to share my familiarity here with friends.
If you wish for to get much from this piece of writing then you have to apply these strategies to your won website.
It’s an remarkable piece of writing designed for all the web viewers; they will obtain benefit from it I am
sure.
I’m not sure why but this weblog is loading extremely slow for me.
Is anyone else having this problem or is it a problem on my end?
I’ll check back later and see if the problem still exists.
I visit everyday some blogs and sites to read articles, except this website presents
feature based posts.
An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little homework
on this. And he actually ordered me breakfast simply because I found it for him…
lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending time to talk about this topic here on your
blog.
Great article! This is the type of information that should be shared around the web.
Disgrace on the search engines for now not positioning this submit upper!
Come on over and seek advice from my web site . Thank you =)
You should be a part of a contest for one of the best blogs on the internet.
I will recommend this site!
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It is the little changes that produce the biggest changes.
Many thanks for sharing!
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but
after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me.
Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back often!
Hello, I do believe your web site might be having internet browser compatibility problems.
Whenever I take a look at your blog in Safari, it looks fine but when opening in I.E., it’s got
some overlapping issues. I simply wanted to give you a
quick heads up! Apart from that, excellent site!
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact
was a amusement account it. Look advanced to
far added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we communicate?
Hurrah! Finally I got a website from where I be able to genuinely take helpful facts concerning my study and knowledge.
I’m impressed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s equally educative and amusing, and without a doubt, you have hit
the nail on the head. The issue is something that too few men and women are speaking intelligently about.
I’m very happy I stumbled across this in my search
for something regarding this.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d love to find out some
additional information.
I just could not go away your site before suggesting that I actually loved the standard info a person supply in your visitors?
Is gonna be again often in order to check up on new posts
Hello there! This is kind of off topic but I need some advice from an established blog.
Is it very difficult to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty quick.
I’m thinking about setting up my own but I’m not sure where to start.
Do you have any ideas or suggestions? Many thanks
great submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of this sector don’t realize this.
You should continue your writing. I am confident, you’ve a
huge readers’ base already!
Nice weblog here! Also your site so much up fast! What web host are
you the use of? Can I am getting your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol
I love what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and coverage!
Keep up the terrific works guys I’ve included you guys
to my personal blogroll.
I am really impressed with your writing skills as well
as with the layout on your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you
customize it yourself? Either way keep up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one
these days.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you
really recognize what you’re talking approximately!
Bookmarked. Kindly additionally consult with my site =).
We may have a hyperlink trade agreement among us
Viagra Criollo Cytotec Vente Ligne Amoxil 500 Mg $0.29 Unit Price cialis 5 mg Cialis Generique Danger Over Night Presidone
Hello! This is kind of off topic but I need some help from an established blog.
Is it tough to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure things out pretty
fast. I’m thinking about making my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you
have any tips or suggestions? With thanks
Your way of explaining all in this paragraph is truly pleasant, all be able to simply be
aware of it, Thanks a lot.
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time
a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Appreciate it!
It’s genuinely very complex in this busy life to listen news on TV, thus I only use web for that purpose, and take the newest information.
This is my first time go to see at here and i am genuinely happy to read everthing at one place.
Greetings! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you
knew where I could find a captcha plugin for my comment form?
I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one?
Thanks a lot!
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
I simply couldn’t go away your site before suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard information a person supply to your visitors?
Is going to be again ceaselessly in order to check out new posts
Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found
a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.”
She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear.
She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is entirely off topic but I had to tell someone!
Hello colleagues, how is everything, and what you wish for to
say concerning this article, in my view its actually remarkable in favor of me.
Have you ever thought about creating an ebook or guest authoring
on other sites? I have a blog based on the same topics you
discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers
would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e mail.
Earlier I thought differently, many thanks for the information.
I’m really inspired along with your writing talents and also with the layout to your blog.
Is this a paid theme or did you modify it your self?
Anyway keep up the nice high quality writing, it’s rare to look a nice weblog like this one these
days..
An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto
a friend who has been doing a little homework on this.
And he in fact bought me dinner due to the fact that I found it
for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss this issue here on your web page.
Video games take too much time of our live ! https://japook.com
Thanks for your marvelous posting! I genuinely enjoyed reading it, you
will be a great author.I will make sure to bookmark your blog and will come back sometime soon. I want to encourage
continue your great writing, have a nice morning!
Greate post. Keep posting such kind of info on your blog.
Im really impressed by your site.
Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I’ll definitely digg
it and in my opinion recommend to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this web site.
I used to be able to find good advice from your blog posts.
Hello, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that’s actually fine,
keep up writing.
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Can I simply just say what a comfort to find somebody that truly knows what they are talking about on the net. You actually understand how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people must look at this and understand this side of your story. I was surprised that you are not more popular given that you surely have the gift.
http:///www.manulescu.com – manumanu
May I simply say what a relief to find someone that truly knows what they’re discussing online. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people ought to check this out and understand this side of the story. It’s surprising you aren’t more popular because you most certainly possess the gift.
Great article, totally what I was looking for.
Hello, after reading this amazing article i am also happy to
share my know-how here with friends.
Thanks for posting this info. Its really usefull but check the spelling because I noticed few errors.
You can check my site also here:
pescuit feeder
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared
this website with us so I came to check it out. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this
to my followers! Great blog and superb design.
Thanks for posting this info. Its really usefull but check the spelling because I noticed few errors.
You can check my site also here:
cel mai bun hosting pentru wordpress
Great blog you’ve got here.. It’s hard to find
good quality writing like yours nowadays. I honestly appreciate people like you!
Take care!!