"Paris-Roubaix is the best race in the world and knocks spots off the Tour de France" - so says Sir Bradley Wiggins, a man who should know.
Famously dubbed the Hell of the North, the annual Paris-Roubaix race ranks among cycling's toughest tests of man and machine. More than 150 miles across dusty or muddy roads, much of it on treacherous cobbled sectors, Paris-Roubaix has earned its place as one of the Monuments the cycling calendar - even professional riders have been known to blanche at the very mention of it. So why on earth would an amateur even dare to attempt it?
Yet thousands of cycling fans do just that each year in the sportive that runs the day before the event. In To Hell on a Bike, author and cycling enthusiast Iain MacGregor describes his experience of riding the notoriously bleak route between the outskirts of Paris and the Belgian frontier.
As Iain prepares for the ride of his life, he explores the history and culture of this extraordinary race. With insights from legends of the sport, trainers, mechanics and fellow writers, as well as those who have maintained the traditions of Paris-Roubaix since its inception over a century ago, it's a must-read for both armchair fans and anyone tempted to have a crack at this classic route for themselves.
We asked Iain his favourite fact about Paris-Roubaix from his research into the race. "Frenchmen filled the top three places of Paris-Roubaix after France was liberated," he says: "Perfect synergy!"
Iain also has a tip for anyone riding the sportive on Saturday. "Keep to the crown of the pave for a smoother ride and maintain your speed," he advises. "Double wrap your handlebars, too!"
Bradley Wiggins has made no secret of his ambition to win this year's Paris-Roubaix, probably his last chance to do so as he steps down from Team Sky to lead his own team. He will be aided in his quest by Team Sky's latest innovation, the Pinarello Dogma K8-S featuring rear suspension, designed in collaboration with Jaguar. But can he succeed where no British rider has before?
"Wiggo could do it with the right conditions," reckons Iain. "But watch out for Ian Stannard, this is his favourite race, too. And he's hungry for it."
Win a signed copy of To Hell on a Bike
The 2015 Paris-Roubaix takes place on Sunday 12 April. To celebrate, we have three signed copies of To Hell on a Bike to give away. To enter, simply visit our Facebook page, hit 'like', and answer the following question:
Q) What position will Sir Bradley Wiggins finish in the 2015 Paris-Roubaix?
The closest three replies win a copy of the book; in the event of a tie, winners will be drawn from a cap.
Good luck!
To Hell on a Bike: Riding Paris-Roubaix is available now in paperback and on Kindle from amazon.co.uk.
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