Race tech: Behind the glamour at Paris-Roubaix

A look at the race convoy

Robin Wilmott/BikeRadar

Published: April 12, 2012 at 7:00 am

We’ve shown you the level of support WorldTour teams require while preparing for the most brutal one-day race on the calendar, and now we take a look at what happens on race day. From final bike tweaks to vehicles that are brought in specially for this unique challenge, the race convoy at Paris-Roubaix resembles no other.

Rugged four-wheel-drive vehicles have mostly replaced the traditional fitting of sump guards to team cars, although typically, Sky seem to have found another solution. Out on the course are dozens of team personnel and helpers, ready to assist their riders in the tortuous pavé sectors, when a support vehicle could be some distance behind. Then after it’s all over, the team mechanics are faced with one of their biggest cleanup and repair tasks of the season.

Astana's assan bazayev still favours a negative rise stem on his tiny roubaix sl3, and fewer spokes than most: - Robin Wilmott/BikeRadar
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