ABUS is both a sponsor and an official partner of this prestigious one-day race with its legendary sections of cobblestones is fuelled with passion and emotion.
Indeed no other event symbolises the difficulty and effort of cycle racing more than the Paris-Roubaix. A victory at the so-called “queen of the classics” elevates the winner to a hero-like status.
Paris-Roubaix – a legend of the cycling circuit & ABUS – the specialist for security.
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The challenge
Characteristic of the renowned spring classic race are the notorious cobblestone or “pavé” sections. Some of the cobbled farm roads in the route date back to the 19th century. They make the race a practically impassable, extraordinary but unforgettable racing experience – particularly in bad weather.
At this year’s 115th edition of the “queen of the classics” 2017, over the 257-kilometre long distance there are an incredible 55 kilometres of pavés to conquer. The more difficult and dangerous the cobbles are, the more stars the race organisation awards for the various levels of difficulty for the race on the course. Five stars – the highest grade – are awarded for the legendary sectors such as the mythical Trouée d’Arenberg (trench of Arenberg), Mons-en-Pévèle and the Carrefour de l’Arbre.
Cobbles were originally the usual road surface in Northern France. But as these roads were increasingly relayed with asphalt, in 1967 the organisers decided to integrate cobblestone sections of dirt tracks and woodland pathways into the race. To keep the myth alive every year, the French government maintains many cobblestone sections especially for this classic cycle race. This and the differing route planning ensures a completely new and unique race every year.
Reaching the venerable Roubaix velodrome after a nearly six- hour “ride”, cyclists are released and relieved to have the hardest stretch behind them. There is no other cycling event in which so many factors can have such an enormous influence on joy or pain. Apart from good legs and ample ability, you need to have the right front man and be able to understand the race: When should I attack, where should I save my energy, who could be a suitable breakaway partner and where are the main hazards? And of course, in this type of race you should never disregard the equipment. On the road with the best gear – ABUS takes care of that.
It kicks off soon
The excitement is building: There are only a few days left until the starting signal sounds for the spring cycling classic, Paris-Roubaix. Indeed no other event symbolises the difficulty and effort of cycle racing more than the “queen of the classics”. As a reminder: ABUS has been an official partner of this legendary cycling monument since 2016.
On April 9, 2017, around 200 professional riders will compete over this epic 257-kilometre race. A real ordeal over 55 kilometres of cobbles to reach the venerable velodrome in Roubaix.
In review
The Australian, Mathew Hayman (Orica-GreenEdge) crossed the finishing line first at the Roubaix velodrome on Sunday after 257.5 kilometres, winning the French Paris-Roubaix spring cycling classic for the first time.For ABUS it was the first appearance as sponsor and official partner of the race. We had a big advertising presence all along the course and inside the renowned Roubaix velodrome.
At the expo on Saturday in Compiegne, at the same time as the presentation of the teams, ABUS displayed its extensive cycling helmets and locks ranges. At a prize-winning competition on site, visitors to the ABUS stand had the chance to win an official BORA – ARGON 18 shirt or the very limited, special edition “Paris-Roubaix” Tec-Tical Pro 2.0 premium helmet.