Paris Roubaix 2015

Was excited about this, now super excited as it looks like i'm going to watch. Anyone been previously who has tips?

I hope it rains. Not so you have a miserable day, but so its a proper spectacle and it maximises the number of riders capable of winning.

We got a glimpse in the TdF last year but not a huge number of the Classics specialists were riding and Cancellara didn't fancy it.

@Howard is doing the sportive day before ..

Sort of (tips wise).

I did the Sportive on the Saturday (rather epic tbf) and was there with the car. Will be doing the same this year

There's generally 2 schools of though on the day - Bust it down to Arenburg (or further) then peg it on the motorway vaguely following the route back, stopping off at a few pre-investigated (or just plain stops you spot on the motorway) view points to catch as many spots as possible then (or just stay where you first were) then retire to a pub or big screen nearby to watch...

OR...Rock up at the Velodrome early doors, get in sight of a/the big screen and wait for their arrival.

Last year I drove to Arenberg which, if you're of the opinion that watching a load of cyclist whizzing past you for 30 seconds is as shit as it sounds, has an atmosphere (and witness of superhuman cycling feat vis a vis speed over the cobbles) up there with the top of a decent tdf mountain stage. I then drove to Roubaix, (via one stop to view a flat section which was a last minute pull over into a hard shoulder as there were loads of other people doing the same).

Roubaix driving/parking was slightly tougher than necessary due to a load of closed roads (apparently there was a bike race on??) though made it to the Velodrome (outer) in time to see a good few final cobbles sections and (iirc) Geraint tow Wiggo to join the lead break in the velodrome bar/pub that had a TV set up. I didn't actually make it into the Velodrome proper as 'that' entrance (basically the driveway between the main road and the velodrome track) was pretty decent for a view of them coming in (with a TV nearby) and I didn't want to risk getting on the wrong side of a fence or queue that I couldn't get back to (and I wasn't sure I was allowed to be where I was!). There was a load of paid/VIP areas that could get you in to the Velodrome from where I was though they weren't open to blags. (I think) the entrance to the Velodrome (for the commoners) is/was right round the other side and there's a TDF style giant screen inside the Velodrome.

Sorry, this probably all a bit confusing as I'm in a rush! Will/can go into more detail if required!

Isn't it part of every cycling fans Lords Prayer to wish for a wet Roubaix?!

I also hope it rains, i can deal with getting wet if i get to enjoy the carnage!