Our favourite Velodromes; Velodrome Jean Stablinski in Roubaix

avril 01, 2021

You’d have a job trying to explain the attraction of Paris – Roubaix to someone who is not a cycling fan. Why would anyone choose the roads around Roubaix to ride a bike. You’d not be alone in thinking this. The badger, Bernard Hinault famously said after winning the race that, ”Paris Roubaix est une connerie!”.

Not unlike cities in the North of England, the North of France was an industrial heartland with coal mines and it enjoyed a boom in textile production in the 19th century. Nearby Cambrai is famous for its lace. The same economic decay that followed the decline in the cotton industry and mining in the North of England also took place in this area of France. There is that same post-industrial vibe that used to be there in the UK before lots was regenerated. There are lots of disused concrete buildings and mining installations. I haven’t heard of the French version of New Order yet but maybe that’s still to come. Point is that you’re not really there for the views either.

The reason for the enduring popularity of Paris – Roubaix is the challenge of taking on the cobbled roads and the finish on the outside Velodrome of Roubaix. We’re in French Flanders and anyone who is mad enough to take on these roads can call themselves a ‘Flandrien’. They call the event ‘the Hell of the North’ and the Queen of the Classics. Recent editions have taken place in good weather conditions with some very fast average speeds however. Greg van Avermaet won the fastest Roubaix ever in 2017 at a 45km/h average speed. If I’m watching the event on TV, I’m always secretly hoping that it rains. That would be less fun if I were riding it however.

As in races in Belgium with the cobbled climbs and ahead of hitting the Cipressa on Milan Sanremo, the riders jostle for position ahead of reaching cobbled sectors. The sound of 100 bikes hitting the Arenberg is absolutely incredible to witness from up close.

The Velodrome Jean Stablinski

The Velodrome in Roubaix was named after Jean Stablinski, Anquetil’s master domestique and son of a Polish miner. After falling out with Jacques he rode alongside, Mathieu van der Poel’s grandfather Raymond Poulidor. It was Stablinski who suggested putting the cobbled road through the Arenberg forest. Like the roads, the Velodrome has an uncomfortable feel about it. The concrete outdoor track and the showers are not what you’d call inviting. They are both engrained in the history of the sport of road cycling however. Traditionally the winners of Roubaix are given a name plate on the shower cubicles which are, you guessed it, made of concrete. In recent years less and less riders have chosen to make use of the showers. You can ride on the velodrome and have a shower here after the Roubaix Challenge.

At the end of Paris Roubaix the riders do two laps of the track. The arena is packed full of people and the atmosphere is electric. The experience is like a cold and damp version of being at Dutch corner on Alpe d’Huez during the Tour de France but a couple of local beers will warm you up. The Hospitality area is a great place to spend the afternoon as well.

Take part in the Paris – Roubaix Challenge one day before the pros with us in 2022 and finish in the Velodrome – MORE INFO HERE
Experience Paris – Roubaix from the start in Compiegne to the finish at the Velodrome with our VIP day experience – MORE INFO HERE
Hospitality at the start in Compiegne or at the finish in the Roubaix Velodrome – MORE INFO HERE