What is there to be said about Paris-Roubaix that hasn't already been said? 257 kilometers of racing, 50+ kilometers of cobbles, the dust, the inevitable crashes and punctures: there's a reason it's called the Hell of the North.
But before the pros arrive, the juniors do. An 18 year old Dane named Magnus Bak Klias held off a rapidly approaching peloton to snatch the win.
But it wasn't long before the men's race really heated up. Flat tires, a few crashes, and a breakaway group stacked with some of the world's best riders promised to make the year's edition spectacular!
With just 6 kilometers to go, an inspired Niki Terpstra took off from the breakaway that included names like Boonen, Cancellara, Sagan, and Wiggins. At every update, Terpstra had somehow managed to increase his meager lead by 1 or 2 more seconds. By the time he entered the velodrome, solo, he was hovering around 20 seconds ahead. Below: the moment he arrived in the velodrome.
The strong 9-man break rode hard, knowing they were racing for second place.
Victory for Niki!
A close sprint saw Degenkolb beat Cancellara.
The media closed in on Terpstra while he hugged his wife.
Cancellara, winner of the last 2 editions, was less enthusiastic.
The race may have been decided at this point but not all the racers had finished. The peloton arrived in bunches over the next 28 minutes.
A dusty David Millar, in his last of 18 years as a professional cyclist, finally finished his first Paris-Roubaix.
Compared to last year, Degenkolb was a new addition to the podium while Cancellara and Terpstra had swapped spots.
Terpstra hoisting the trophy, a heavy cobblestone, up over his head.
Out on the street, it was mild pandemonium as riders and fans all tried to visit the team buses while mechanics set about cleaning the bikes and preparing riders' luggage.
A Lotto rider threatens to be swallowed by the crowd.
Jan Barta.
Sam Bennett.
Outside the velodrome, the lead up to the final kilometer names the previous winners of the race.
So what else is there to say about Paris-Roubaix? Just this:
