Tale of the Tape

If you're going through hell, keep on going."
-Winston Churchill

The 104th edition of The Hell of the North, The Queen of the Classics, Paris-Roubaix is being run this weekend (April 9th.) Although they've crowned a winner for every edition, the real contenstants are the riders versus a combination of the pave and the inclement weather. Th dreaded Arenberg forest makes its return (having been scraped for last year's race due to gaping ruts and an oily film layed down on the pave from nearby industrial plants.) The forecast calls for rain, but when and how much hasn't been determined.

Although there are a host of legitimate contenders, this race should come down to two teams: Discovery Channel and Quick-Step. The edge goes to the latter, having the strongest rider in the bunch in World Champion, Tom Boonen (who won this race last year.) But both Dirk Demol, Assistant Sports Director for Discovery (and 1988 winner of P-R), and Johan Bruyneel, Director, have stated that they expect a victory. Could this be the year an American wins the race?

The Contenders
Tom Boonen (Bel) - World Champion, 1st in 2005, 3rd in 2002
George Hincapie (US) - 2nd in 2005

Juan Antonio Flecha (Spa) - 3rd in 2005

Fabian Cancellara (Swi)
Leif Hoste (Bel)
Thor Hushovd (Nor)
Nick Nuyens (Bel)
Filippo Pozzato (Ita)
Peter Van Petegem (Bel)
Alessandro Ballan (Ita)
Steffen Wesemann (Swi)
Nico Mattan (Bel)
Leon Van Bon (Ned)
Stijn Devolder (Bel)
Vladimir Gusev (Rus)

**Coverage - LIVE at Cycling.tv and Cycling News; taped on OLN