Paris-Roubaix 2019: the latest news from the "Queen of classics" cyclists Sunday April 14, 2019 at 3:33

Paris-Roubaix 2019: the latest news from the "Queen of classics" cyclists

Sunday April 14, 2019 at 3:33
by Stéphane Barbereau , France Bleu Nord


The 117th edition of the cycling race starts this Sunday, April 14 Compiegne, in the Oise. France Bleu gives you the advice of Marc Madiot, the pain of runners, the declarations of love of specialists in the Northern Hell.


The public attended numerous presentations of the teams, this Saturday afternoon, in Compiègne © Maxppp - Fred Haslin

Compiegne, France
It is a double winner who speaks with his usual frankness. Marc Madiot does not mince his words when it comes to talking about Paris-Roubaix and the mentality that a potential winner must adopt:

"You have to be very mean for 7 hours."

Marc Madiot, winner of Paris-Roubaix in 1985 and 1991 © Maxppp - Fred Haslin

"You do not have to worry about the others falling in. A runner who falls is one less runner, and the rest of the year, I was worried about what happened to a friend who had fallen, but Roubaix, never! It was very simple and very brutal but it was my perceptions that I had when I was a runner." 


Not even hurt

If Marc Madiot dramatizes the stakes of this race, others on the contrary trivializes this test, as Oliver Naesen. The leader of AG2R La Mondiale on the Flandriennes seems astonished when one speaks to him of the pains that cause the stones:

"I never finished Roubaix burnt. It's not super hard because it's all flat in the end." 

The Flemish runner Oliver Naesen © Maxppp - Philippe de Poulpiquet

"We never do extraordinary things, it's just that the whole day is weary, the main thing is to avoid falls and bad luck".

What's the difference with the renovated Arenberg gap?

This is one of the three hardest paved areas. The Arenberg Gap, 2,300 meters of disjointed and quirky pavers, renovated over a quarter of its length this year. Arnaud Démare, the runner from Beauvais, borrowed it and did not see any difference: 

"it will be no easier, just less dangerous with fewer holes but it will always hurt as well."

A baby and a victory for Adrien Petit?

On the eve of being a daddy for the first time, the Arrageois Adrien Petit begins to dream : "I have the skills to make a big result on this race, it is an additional pressure and it is more this year " :

"My girlfriend must give birth shortly so I cross my fingers so that it does not happen the night before the race"

Adrien Petit, with his new Total Direct Energie jersey, on the podium presenting the Paris-Roubaix 2019 teams © Maxppp - Fred Haslin

Florian Sénéchal, outsider teammate at Deceuninck-Quickstep

After their failure in the Tour of Flanders, the Belgian team of the Nordist obviously has heart to win the Hell of the North: "it is the race that the team has prepared the most: physically, technically with the equipment, the The staff has been incredible, we know that a lot of teams will run against us, we are waiting for the turn but I think we will know how to be there . " The former winner of Paris-Roubaix Junior, a native of Cambresis has had this race in the head and legs for a long time:

"It is the race that gives the most emotions. She's the prettiest." 

Florian Sénéchal, during Paris-Roubaix 2018. © Maxppp - Fred Haslin 


Jean-René Bernaudeau defends his new sponsor

This Sunday, there will be a new team in the world pack. More specifically, the team led by the Vendéen Jean-René Bernaudeau changes its name: Direct Energie was bought last year by Total now bears the name of the oil group. One of the most polluting industries in the world that becomes sponsor of a discipline the most respectful of the planet, it shocks some, not Jean-Renée Bernaudeau who released his punchline: 

"There are people who criticize Total and who do not turn off the light. We will not forget people who talk about fuel when we want to ride the bike."

Source:https://www.francebleu.fr/infos/societe/paris-roubaix-2019-les-dernieres-infos-de-la-reine-des-classiques-cyclistes-1555190807