//RACE REPORT: ROUBAIX 2023

// Mini Paris-Roubaix was finally back after a 3 year absence! The famous Paris-Roubaix race is one of the oldest in the world, dating back to 1896 it sees professional riders race roughly 280km and some 30 brutal cobble sections before finishing in the iconic Roubaix Velodrome.

So, how did the race unfold I hear you all asking…

(“How did the race unfold?!” — Ed.)

In the ‘Pupilles’ category the Green Machine were represented by Daniel, Tejus and Lucas. Their race was 11.2km in distance and involved 1.4km of the dreaded cobbles. Riley had a slightly longer 17.9km course of which a punishing 4.8km would be on the cobbles.

With the Mini Paris-Roubaix being infamous for having a high DNF rate due to punctures and mechanical issues just finishing the race would be an achievement in itself of the squad.

Once racing begins though, it’s down to the riders to fend for themselves… Obviously there are race officials, Police, medical cars and a broom wagon for broken down or stranded riders!

For Lucas, Tejus and Daniel there was some dodgy gridding which seemed to favour all of the French riders… strange! As the race unfolded, unbeknown to the parents eagerly waiting at the velodrome, Daniel had suffered a puncture. Not deterred he managed to display true resilience and nurse the bike all the way back to the velodrome finish line! Tejus and Lucas were locked in a battle in which Lucas took the bragging rights.

The junior version sees riders undertake the final 30km (oldest age group) of the professional race, including the same cobble sections and finishing in the Roubaix Velodrome.

With the youngest riders being in the ‘Pre License’ (born 2017 or after) all the way through to ‘Minimes’ born 2009/2010 there really is a brilliant European racing experience for all.

Entry is from 15 euros and the trip is easily done in a single day. Several of the squad got an early Euro Tunnel (35mins), drove from Calais to Roubaix (1.5hrs), registered at the velodrome, some parents took the rides out to their respective race start points (2.30pm) & other remained at the velodrome to welcome the riders on their return. Following the race the kids played and watched the professional U23 race conclude in the velodrome before getting some freebies from the team busses outside. After all the buzz had died down it was a short drive back to Calais, stopping en-route for a team meal before taking the late Euro Tunnel back to the UK.

For Riley, he too fell foul of the dodgy gridding and started 61st out of 71 riders. Not fazed Riley listened to the game plan of getting through the cobbled sections safely and making up time on the flat, fast road sections. Sprinting into the velodrome, Riley had clawed his way back into 35th place.

A brilliant job by all Limited Edition Cycling riders and good team work by the parents. A special thank you to our club chairperson, Jay who managed to get a few of the gang out to Roubaix, without his help they would not have been able to ride.

Look out France… the Green Machine is coming to take over next year!