The 107th edition of Paris (Compiègne) - Roubaix, is set on Sunday April 12 2009.
This edition includes 52.6 km of paved areas, 3 news compared to 2008:
Cobblestone route from Vertain to Saint-Martin-sur-Ecaillon: additional 100 meters for a total length of 2100 meters.
Cobblestone route from Wallers to Helesmes (1600 meters) outside the track in 2009.
Cobblestone route from Auchy-les-Orchies to Bersée: in the last 2 years, it was reduced to 1200 meters, but now, after restauration works, it will be back its 2500 meters long.
The race Paris (Compiègne)-Roubaix is 259 km long: Compiègne (departure), Noyon, Ham, Saint-Quentin-en-Vermandois Bohain, Troisville (early sections of pavé), Solesmes, Denain, trouée d'Arenberg, Orchies, Templeuve Cysoing, Velodrome in Roubaix (arrival).
Other sections of the trail have been plotted between fields of sugar beet; here the cyclists must queueing.
In case of rain, the race is really hard and risky.
The winner is not only the strongest man of the group, but must also be lucky and well-supported by his team.
The Paris-Roubaix was established in 1896 by Theodore Vienna, after the opening of the new velodrome in Roubaix. It was held every year up today, between March and April, with only two interruptions due to the two world wars.
Since 1968, the departure is not from Paris but from Compiègne, for a journey of more than two hundred and fifty kilometers to the north.
The Paris-Roubaix is a race of great historical prestige, as the big names who have participated in more than 1000 years of the race: the first winner of the Tour de France, Maurice Garin (1897, 1898), the famous Fausto Coppi (1950 ) and Louison Bobet (1956), and the five times winners of the Tour, Eddy Merckx (1968, 1970, 1973) and Bernard Hinault (1981).
The Belgian Roger De Vlaeminck holds the record of victories with four successes (1972, 1974, 1975 and 1977).
The record of consecutive victories is shared by Octave Lapiz (1909, 1910 and 1911) and Francesco Moser (1978, 1979, 1980).
1. Tom Boonen (Bel, Quick Step) 6h15'53"
2. POZZATO (Ita, Team Katusha)
3. Hushovd (Nor, Cervelo Test Team)
4. Hoste (Bel, Silence-Lotto)
5. Van Summeren (Bel, Silence-Lotto)
6. Flecha (Spa, Rabobank)
7. Haussler (Ger, Cervelo Test Team)
8. Chavanel (Fra, Quick Step)
9. QUINZIATO (Ita, Liquigas)
10. Breschel (Dan, Team Saxo Bank)
Cycle news 
April 12
