Paris-Roubaix: It's not running, but it's still great

Yes, this is a running blog, but those who follow it have been able to glean that we at Run Junkie definitely harbor fond feelings for our cycling brethren. In general, this has reflected itself in the odd link to VeloNews.com or mention of a cycling pro by name. Today, though, on the cusp of one of the year’s greatest and most exciting bike races, we’re coming out bold and devoting an entire, albeit short, post on bike racing.

Sunday is Paris-Roubaix, the Hell of the North, a 259 kilometer (160 mile) bone-crunching one day bike race in and out of the cobble-stoned narrow roads of northern France. Often muddy, always exciting, it is a spectacle to behold, with some of the best of the best in endurance sport using mind, body, and seemingly levitation to conquer the cobbles, the conditions and their competitors. If you’ve never followed a bike race in your life, this is the one to start with. Check out these links to see what makes the Hell of the North the pinnacle for many in the pro peloton.

Velo News
Roubaix preview (story)
Photo-history of Roubaix (slidehow)
Interview with US favorite George Hincapie (story)

Eurosport
Profile of Team CSC (story)

TV Coverage
Versus, April 20, 2008 @ 4:00pm (ET)(schedule)