August in the Basque Country & Hell in Roubaix

 

The young American, 20-year-old AJ August (INEOS) accelerated with 12km to go, with only Raul Garcia able to follow before August kicked again with 10km to go. Alone on the final climb, he made no mistakes on the treacherous wet descent, soloing home to win by 16 seconds. August claimed his first WorldTour win in style. He was followed in four minutes later by the main group containing 19-year-old Paul Seixas, who won the race after dominating throughout the week, taking three stage wins… glory to the young guns.

“I know that I can compete with the best in the world. A few runners weren’t there or fell. I don’t tell myself that I’m the best or in the top 3. But I know that I can hang in there with them a bit and race up front with ambitions. 

It’s unbelievable, especially given the day. I felt super good, the team did an incredible job up to my attack. I’m happy to have secured this stage. The general classification and 3 stages, that’s magnificent.”

-Paul Seixas

Look back…

The 1985 Paris-Roubaix was one of the toughest editions ever contested. Marked by cold and rain that resulted with only 35 riders managed to finish. Marc Madiot claimed victory after an epic effort of 7hr 21mins… a hellish Roubaix.