Andrea Tafi registers with UCI in pursuit of Paris-Roubaix return
The Italian will now be eligible to ride at WorldTour and pro conti level


Andrea Tafi has registered with the UCI in the latest step towards his Paris-Roubaix return at the age of 52.
Tafi, who won in the legendary velodrome 20 years ago, said he has found a team willing to take him on for the 2019 edition.
The Italian’s name has been included on the UCI Registered Testing Pool, which allows him to ride at WorldTour and professional continental level.
Tafi recently told Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws: “Unfortunately I can not say which [team]. Not yet.
“I know how difficult it is.
“I’m going to train and see where I come out.”
>>> Should Andrea Tafi return to Paris-Roubaix at 52?
The UCI pool is the register of riders who have submitted their whereabouts information to the authorities, which means officials can find the athletes at any time to carry out anti-doping tests.
Born in 1966, Tafi is still not the oldest rider on the UCI’s Registered Testing Pool.
The oldest is German paracyclist Hans Peter Durst at 60, followed by Australian cyclist, swimmer and rower Carol Cook who is 57.
Tafi won Paris-Roubaix in 1999 while riding for Mapei, at the age of 32.
He retired in 2005, having completed the race 13 times, finishing every time he entered and placing first, second and third.
Tafi claimed he had “earned a master’s degree” in the race.
>>> Irish champion Conor Dunne signs with Israel Cycling Academy after collapse of Aqua Blue Sport
During his career he also won the Tour of Flanders in 2002, Paris-Tours in 2000 and Il Lombardia in 1996.
Australian Mathew Hayman (Mitchelton-Scott) won the race in 2016 at 37 years old. The oldest winner is Frenchman Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle, who won twice, the second time in 1993 at 38 years old. No one ever retired and returned 20 years later to race, let alone win.
This year’s winner was Peter Sagan (Bora-Hangrohe), who finally found luck on his side and claimed his second career Monument at 28 years old.
Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Same teams, new faces: Murphy, Langley crowned US national road racing champions
Full team effort from Human Powered Health rewarded with national title for Kyle Murphy; Emma Langley (EF Education-Tibco SVB) drops breakaway companion for her Stars & Stripes jersey
By Clara Beard • Published
-
'Can you imagine winning a 35th Tour de France stage in the British champion's jersey?' asks Mark Cavendish, admitting Tour ride is 'unlikely'
The Manx Missile said 'I'm good enough to do the Tour'
By Michelle Arthurs-Brennan • Published
-
Creating an icon - Behind the scenes at Paris-Roubaix Femmes
Only in its second year, the Paris-Roubaix Femmes is not just a gruelling day for the riders, but a logistical and organisational challenge for those behind the scenes - Amy Sedghi speaks to the people helping to create an icon
By Amy Sedghi • Published
-
From the cobbles to the race track: Tom Boonen is living his best life
Classic legend Tom Boonen on race car driving, Mathieu van der Poel and modern cycling
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Yves Lampaert said he used a judo move to avoid serious injury at Paris-Roubaix
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl rider crashed after striking a fan last Sunday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'It is something that I will definitely never forget, it was the hardest race I've ever done' — The first dry Paris-Roubaix Femmes
In the race's second edition, everyone was having a 'completely different' experience, whether they were a veteran or a neo-pro
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Bradley Wiggins: Ineos Grenadiers victory at Paris-Roubaix was 'typical Dave Brailsford'
Former Tour de France winner spent the day on a motorbike covering the race
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'You gotta love bike racing don't you, it's the best thing in the world' — Ben Turner after a dramatic first Paris-Roubaix
Ineos Grenadiers rider claims 11th after crashing, but sees teammate win race
By Adam Becket • Published
-
From finishing outside the time limit to winning Paris-Roubaix, Dylan van Baarle 'buzzing' after victory
Dutch rouleur claims first Paris-Roubaix for Ineos Grenadiers after 12 years of trying
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Team DSM choose not to use adjustable pressure system at Paris-Roubaix
Dutch squad will debut system at Tour de France instead
By Adam Becket • Published