All you need to know about the 2018 Paris-Roubaix 

The lowdown on this year's Cobbled Classic, taking place this Sunday 8th April. The route, riders, and the decisive cobbled sectors

Starting Compiègne, north of Paris, its 257 kms of sheer and utter brutality all the way to the showers in the André-Pétrieux Vélodrome in Roubaix

The race features 55 km of cobbles, that will break the mettle of the hardest riders minds and machines. Just finishing, is a trophy to wear with pride.

To win, requires the stamina of an Pronghorn Antelope, the mental strength of a U.S. Special Forces operative and the luck of a Los Vegas high roller. The winner will be forever remebered on the hollowed boards at the André-Pétrieux Vélodrome.

Paris-Roubaix was inaugurated in 1896, making it one of the oldest bike races in the world. Born of a familiar story involving entrepreneurial types, newspapers, and money-making schemes, in time the race has come to adopt monikers like the 'Queen of the Classics' and 'Hell of the North', and remains one of the most prestigious victories to take in pro bike racing.

Its place on the calendar marks the end of the Cobbled Classics season, coming as a climactic end after races such as the Tour of Flanders, E3 Harelbeke and Gent-Wevelgem.

VIDEO: Official2018 Paris-Roubaix Teaser

The route is largely unchanged from last year and features 29 sectors of cobblestones over 55 km, including the new section of Saint-Hilaire, over the 257 kms of the race which also sees the Saint-Python sector for the first time since 2016 in the opposite direction.

The famous Arenberg Trench is tackled almost 100km from the finishing line, it often causes many problems for the peloton splintering the bunch into smaller groups, there is typically a mad dash to be at the front ahead of this important sector. 

Last year saw Greg Van Avermaet lose the head of the race after problems with his seat post just before the dreaded Arenberg. Up front the big hitters including Tom Boonen, put the hurt on. Van Avermaet fought back and scrapped his way back to the front group and take an Emphatic win.

Carrefour de l'Arbre is the last major test for any rider in with a chance for victory. This 2.1km section has been used as a springboard for many attacks in the past thanks to its tough cobbles and close proximity to the finish.

The Favorites

**** Greg Van Avermaet (BEL), Peter Sagan (SLO), Niki Terpstra (NED), Yves Lampaert (BEL)

*** Gianni Moscon (ITA), Dylan van Baarle (NED), Jasper Stuyven (BEL), John Degenkolb (GER)

** Stefan Kung (SUI), Sep Vanmarcke (BEL), Mat Hayman (AUS), Philippe Gilbert (BEL)

* Oliver Naesen (FRA), Magnus Cort Nielsen (DEN), Arnaud Demare (FRA), Zdenek Stybar (CZE), Marc Soler (ES)

Cobbled sectors of 2018 Paris-Roubaix

2017 Paris-Roubaix 2017 Top 10

1. Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing, in 5:41:07
2. Zdenek Stybar (CZE) Quick-Step Floors, at same time
3. Sebastian Lageveld (NED) Cannondale-Drapac, st
4. Jasper Stuyven (BEL) Trek-Segafredo, st
5. Gianni Moscon (ITA) Team Sky, st
6. Arnaud Demare (FRA) FDJ, at 0:12
7. Andre Greipel (GER) Lotto-Soudal, st
8. Edward Theuns (BEL) Trek-Segafredo, st
9. Adrien Petit (FRA) Direct-Energie, st
10. John Degenkolb (GER) Trek-Segafredo, st

Previous Winners of Paris-Roubaix

2017: Greg Van Avermaet (BEL) BMC Racing
2016: Matt Hayman, (AUS) Mitchelton-Scott
2015: John Degenkolb (GER), Giant-Alpecin
2014: Niki Terpstra (NED), Etixx-QuickStep
2013: Fabian Cancellara (SUI), RadioShack
2012: Tom Boonen (BEL), Omega Pharma-QuickStep
2011: Johann Vansummeren (BEL), Garmin-Cervelo
2010: Fabian Cancellara (SUI), Saxo Bank
2009: Tom Boonen (BEL), Quckstep
2008: Tom Boonen (BEL), Quickstep

The Teams