Race Preview - Barry's Roubaix 2012

Roubaix.

Someone outside of the cycling world would probably give you a strange look hearing the word. However, a fan of professional cycling will instantly recognize the name.

Paris-Roubaix is one of cycling's oldest races, the first edition was run in 1896. It is well known for the many sections of cobblestones that are featured throughout the nearly 260 kilometre route. Also known as l'enfer du Nord, the Hell of the North, the race is also known for extreme weather. Dry and dusty or wet and muddy, the weather is always a factor.

Paris-Roubaix cobblestones

The Lower Mainland isn't exactly known for it's cobblestone roads, so the chances of a race similar to Paris-Roubaix is almost non-existent. Luckily we have the next best thing.

Local Ride Bike Shop, in Maple Ridge, has been organizing Barry's Roubaix for the past three years. Inspired by the European classic, the roads and dykes of Pitt Meadows are transformed into a race course on the same Sunday as Paris-Roubaix.

The Course

The course has been updated and moved to a new location for 2012. According to the Local Ride Bike Shop website, a high permit cost at the original location is the reason for the change. Starting on Kennedy Road near the Pitt Meadows BMX track, the race will be contested over a 10 kilometre loop which features 5 kilometres of gravel dykes and 5 kilometres of paved roads. The previous two editions included only 4 kilometres of gravel.

This year the location of the start/finish line is the biggest change. The old course started and finished near the Pitt Meadows Airport, after exiting the gravel section it was nearly 6 kilometres of pavement before you hit the line. This year it is completely opposite. The finish line is very close to the exit from the gravel.

Barry's Roubaix 2012

It almost seemed that the race would end with two laps of the Pitt Meadows BMX track, however it was only a cruel April Fools joke.

The Weather

As in the real Paris-Roubaix, the weather can play a huge factor in the outcome of the race. Spring weather in the Lower Mainland is notoriously inconsistent.

The first edition of Barry's Roubaix, in 2010, was raced under beautiful conditions. The wind picked up a little in the afternoon but that was all. In 2011 the weather was the complete opposite. It rained for almost the entire race.

At the moment the weather looks pretty good for the Easter long weekend. However, the Environment Canada forecast can be a tad innaccurate.

The Details

Registration closes at 4:00 pm on Saturday, April 7, so there is still time to particpate in this Lower Mainland classic. Registration is offered online at karelo.com

If you just want to head out to cheer on your favorite rider, here are the start times.

8:30 am: Cat 3/4 Men, 8 laps

8:35 am: Cat 3/4 Women, 6 laps

8:37 am: Novice Men, 4 laps

8:38 am: Novice Women, 4 laps

11:00 am: Cat 1/2 Men, 12 laps

11:05 am: Cat 1/2 Women, 10 laps

10:30 am: U17, 2 half laps

Predictions

The new course should make for an interesting race, watch for attacks in the gravel section creating enough of a gap to win. A chase group will not be able to use the paved roads to close down a gap with the finish being so close to the gravel section.

Garneau Evolution, Trek Red Truck Racing, and Team H&R Block will all likely be on hand in the Cat 1/2 Men's race.  Garneau Evolution has picked up 5 wins already this year. Curtis Dearden, last year's winner, now riding for Russ Hay's/Accent Inns has to be considered a favourtie. His new team has also picked up some early wins this year. Although it is uncertain if they will be making the trip over from Vancouver Island.

The Local Ride / Dr. Vie Superfoods+ women's team will likely be out in force in the Women's Race looking to continue their winning streak at Barry's Roubaix.

Barry's Roubaix always delivers a great experience for the participants as well as the spectators. It's a great way to enjoy some local racing after watching Paris-Roubaix on the television or internet. See you there!