Handle the rough stuff like Philippe Gilbert
There’s a knack to coasting over the cobbles
Belgian veteran Philippe Gilbert is testament to how a rider can finesse the cobbles form necessary to tame ParisRoubaix. This Classics specialist made his name in the hilly – and non-cobbly – Ardennes Classics, but won his first Monument on the cobbles at the Tour of Flanders at the age of 34 (2017), followed by his first Paris-Roubaix at 36 (2019).
There’s a whole lot more to conquering the cobbles than simply fitting some wider tyres to your bike – although this will help, of course. The robust requirements of the pavé call for both a bike and a body prepared to take a bit of a pounding – for the latter, stamina and putting up with the pain play their part. For many riders, riding cobbles means bagging a bike that’s built for the job, with suspension adaptations to take the sting out of the ride. But for others it’s a case of adapting the bike and working on their riding technique to overcome the cobbles.
01 PICK YOUR LINE
Take a look at images from the Classics and, no matter what the era, the leaders will be the guys with their focus fixed firmly forward. Stay alert and aim for the smoothest of lines. Not all cobbles are the same. Avoid rougher sections and look for the quicker parts.
02 CROSS PURPOSES
Cyclocross (CX) is a great discipline for bike handling and off-road skills. Many CX racers have had success when turning their hand to the Classics, notably Mathieu van der Poel, winner of last year’s Tour of Flanders. CX familiarises the rider with the rigours of a rough ride, and it’s fun!
03 TALK THE TORQUE
With tyre traction being an important factor, it’s crucial to pedal smoothly, especially on climbs – staying seated and pushing the pedals in a circle rather than stomping. This can keep that grip to get the power down rather than bouncing over the cobbles.
04 DOUBLE UP
Many pros add a second round of bar tape when it
comes to the cobbled Classics to help dampen the vibrations. This makes the ride more comfortable and keeps you in control as it stops your hands going numb. Pros also resort to taping the pedals too, again to absorb some of the shock and give the cleats additional purchase. 05 RELIEVE PRESSURE
Reducing tyre pressure is a widely practised move among elite racers facing the formidable pavé. This is a benefit for comfort as well as performance. While a lower tyre pressure gives a less harsh ride, a pressure of 70-80psi is also faster because the tyre deforms over the cobbles rather than bouncing, and bouncing reduces traction and results in a loss of energy. 06 DON'T WOBBLE
Crucial to maintaining control and emulating the actions of the best pros in events like the Paris-Roubaix is to stay relaxed. The biggest mistake to make is gripping the bar too tightly and tensing up. Keep to a light grip with your upper body relaxed too and work on steering with your bodyweight, not your arms. If you look where you want to go, your body position will follow your eyes accordingly.