31st of May, 2015. 4am – wake up with a start. It’s dark outside, and my eyes are stinging. The 23rd Edition of the Mini-Paris Roubaix is about to start in 10 hours, and I’m nervous that I’ve forgotten something – and it’s not even me that’s racing! Wake Nathan up, and send him for a shower – I load the car up with race kit and get ready for the off. 340 miles to drive today, with two trips under the sea. It’s windy and damp. A short trip to collect our travelling buddies, load up more bikes – still dark, still raining, still windy. Why do we do it?
Dry cobbles – The day before the race!
Although the above may sound like a toil – it’s a labour of love. A love of cycling and a love of exploring all opportunities that are both exciting and challenging. The car on the journey is alive with race chat – of expectations, goals and a fear of the unknown. For some, this is to be the first experience of riding a race on the road – with real life roundabouts, street furniture, grids and potholes. For all, this is to be the first experience of riding the infamous Roubaix pavé.
The Hectic Course!
Paris–Roubaix is one of cycling’s oldest races which was first run in 1896. It is known for its many ‘cobbled sectors’ known as pavé, and with the Tour of Flanders and Gent–Wevelgem, is one of the cobbled classics. The mini-version is for Youth riders aged 14 and under, all the way down to the very young who would not normally have a racing licence. The organisation is such that the race starts at 14:30 for all categories, starting at different distances away from, but all arriving in, the legendary Roubaix Velodrome.
This is the first year that Slipstreamers have submitted youth entries – and on our first outing 10 riders were submitted. Logistically, it’s a challenge to get riders to the starts in good time, and to get back to the velodrome – as parents we all suffered our own trials and tribulations with road-blocks and police directing traffic well away from where we needed to be – but we got through it!
Maddie Emment all out effort!
In the velodrome, we waited eagerly for the riders to enter the sharp right turn onto the very wet and slippy track surface. First we saw the pre-license riders make the turn very gingerly, the occasional rider slipping out as they came in. After a short gap, Finn O’Brien came around the corner – his orange and yellow kit a very familiar and welcome sight. Finn was in third place, and his usual steady pace was being threatened by a rider coming up fast behind him. Finn noticed the rider just too late – his burst of power not enough to hold on and came in a very well earned 4th. Maddie was the next Slipstreamer in view – our hearts in our mouths as she went high up the banking in the wet to despatch other girl riders into minor places – taking 2nd place girl in her category. Oliver Kent came in in 26th in his category – with his trademark fast spinning pushing him to the line.
Stanley Kent – Mini Paris-Roubaix Finish
The next group of riders expected to arrive were Joe and Bobbie O’Brien and Stanley Kent. I think we were all surprised to see the day-glo feet of Joe O’Brien arrive in 2nd place behind the lead motorcycle. Joe powered around the velodrome holding his place to take 2nd comfortably. A gasp was heard as he lost his front wheel over the second timing mat, sliding over the track – fortunately after he’d finished.
Bobbie came in 2nd girl not far behind Joe, putting in a very solid performance. Stanley was not so lucky – hampered by a few tumbles along the route, his last one on the home straight saw him off the track and being helped back on his bike coming home 39th. Defiantly, he continued round after finishing to complete a lap – well done Stan!
Cameron Still – Push for the line!
The penultimate batch to come through were Cameron Still in ninth place in his category, with Tom Stringer in twenty-fourth. An agonising wait followed, waiting for the arrival of Oliver Emment. Our concerns were not eased as ambulances moved back and forth – with tales coming back that riders were dropping like flies on the wet cobbles. Information was coming back to us that the last time Oliver was seen, he was dropping back with something wrong with his bike. After what seemed like an age Ollie appeared – unluckily he’d punctured, but was safe and well.
Tom Stringer – Mini-Paris Roubaix sprint
Nathan was in the last race. Again a massive wait as the leaders of his category entered the track. Eventually he came around the corner and made his way safely over the line. His computer showed a recording of 19.8 miles covered, with six sections of Roubaix pavé to deal with. He was suitably covered in Roubaix sandy soil – which dries in a kind of cement once riders get off the bike. Nathan rolled in 49th in his age group.
We learnt some valuable lessons from attending this race – but we all had a most wonderful day away. This event will surely be on our list of events to do for 2016.