Another team switches to disc brakes for Paris-Roubaix
Direct Energie becomes the latest team to move to discs for the Hell of the North

After Lampre-Merida and Roompot-Oranje Peloton switched to disc brakes at the Tour of Flanders last weekend, Direct Energie will become the latest team make the transition as they plan to use the technology for Paris-Roubaix on Sunday.
>>> Disc brakes, new Pinarellos, and strange shifters from the Tour of Flanders
The French team had a BH G7 Disc bike on top of one of their team cars at the start of the Tour of Flanders, but did not use it during the race, choosing instead to test the bike at Scheldeprijs yesterday. All but one of the team's riders were using discs, and plan to continue to do so on Sunday, although team leader Sylvain Chavanel was not racing in Scheldeprijs and it is unclear whether he will also be using discs.
Watch: your essential guide to Paris-Roubaix
Aside from Lampre-Merida and Direct Energie, the only other team that we think might use disc brakes at Paris-Roubaix is Bora-Argon 18, who, like Direct Energie, had a few disc brake bikes hanging around at the start of the Tour of Flanders, but did not use them in the race.
>>> 10 ways the pros modify their bikes for the cobbles
And the improved wet weather braking of those discs could well come in handy on Sunday, with some of the cobbles sectors currently wet and covered in mud to the point where the race organisers are considering removing them from the race, as well as a chance of rain early in the race.
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
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
-
Dinosaurs instead of ducks: Rapha and Palace roll out cartoon critters with celebratory EF Education kit
The kit will be worn by both EF Education-Tibco-SVB and EF Education-EasyPost to celebrate the return of the Tour de France Femmes
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Enve launches G series dropper post with a neat new lever
Enve opts for an inverted design for its first foray into the world of droppers
By Stefan Abram • 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