Strava stats reveal how gruelling Paris-Roubaix really is
Did the 2019 edition of the ‘Hell of the North’ live up to its reputation?
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The reputation of Paris-Roubaix is among the most fearsome of all cycling races.
Covering more than 250km and packed with bone-rattling cobbled sectors, it takes something special to even finish the race, let alone compete for the win.
Paris-Roubaix takes its toll on even the most experienced and hardened riders, and Strava gives us an insight into exactly how tough it is.
>>> Watch: Riders’s brutal on-board footage takes you inside Paris-Roubaix 2019
The social media for athletes reveals the relentless pace and phenomenal outputs from the world’s best riders.
Evaldas Šiškevičius had an outstanding day, finishing in the top-10 after he fell well outside of the time cut last year.
The Delko Marseille Provence rider published his ride data on Strava, including his power output.
Šiškevičius held a staggering 304 watt average during his six hours on the bike, hitting a maximum of 1,296w.
That means he held four watts per kilo over the day, hitting a maximum 17w/kg, to take him to a ninth place finish.
Bahrain Merida’s Matej Mohorič also uploaded his info to Strava, after finishing 70th on the day.
The Slovenian held an average heart rate of 145 beats per minute, hitting a maximum of 181bpm.
He rode at an average speed of 41.1km/h over the 250km, reaching a maximum speed of 79.9km/h on the flat roads of northern France.
Oliver Naesen (Ag2r La Mondiale) finished just outside the top-10 on the day, capping off a brilliantly consistent cobbled Classics campaign for the Belgian.
Riding at 243w for the day and hitting a maximum of 1,236w, Naesen was strong enough to ride to 11th on the day.
He also rode to two Strava top-10s on the ‘Camphin-en-Pévèle to Gruson ‘ and ‘wtc de putters Roubaix 4’ segments - no easy task considering the competition over the years.
The best finisher to upload his ride was Deceuninck – Quick-Step’s Yves Lampaert, who finished third in Roubaix Velodrome.
Lampaert, who rides under the name John Deere on Strava due to his love of tractors, took three King of the Mountains on the road and averaged 42.3km/h all day.
Thank you for reading 10 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.
-
-
Remco Evenepoel sends verbal warning to his 'idol' Primož Roglič after quadruple Volta a Catalunya showdown
It's 2-1 to Roglič after a neck-and-neck fight at the Volta a Catalunya, but Evenepoel isn't short of confidence
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
How E3 showed us what Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pogačar need to do to win the Tour of Flanders
Wout van Aert might have won on Friday, but everything could change next Sunday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel obliterates Tenerife's Mount Teide Strava KOM
Reigning World Champion currently in altitude training before next week's Volta a Catalunya
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
British rider takes Jebel Hafeet QOM, deletes Strava file
Claire Steels's bike was the fastest to the summit, but she wasn't riding it
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Adrie van der Poel reveals banter exchanged with Mathieu before CX World Championships
Van der Poel senior says that his sons cyclo-cross season has been ‘perfect’ preparation for a strong start to the cobbled classics
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
In celebration of Peter Sagan, cycling's rock and roll frontman
As the three-time world champion is set to call time on his career in the WorldTour at the end of 2023, we thought we would take a look back at the glory days
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
No win for Jonas Vingegaard? Cycling Weekly's bold predictions for the 2023 season
With under a fortnight until the WorldTour kicks off this year, it is time to take a look into our crystal ball
By Adam Becket • Published
-
From the World Championships to Paris-Roubaix: Cycling Weekly's wins of 2022
It is hard to look past Annemiek van Vleuten, but we tried, so here is the best win of the year, plus nine more
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'I just come out at every race swinging': Simon Clarke achieves childhood dream with Tour de France stage win after winter of contract fears
Australian was without a team coming into the season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'Expect anything at the Giro!': Riders react to 7 kilometre Giro Donne 'neutral zone' climb
Stage three of the Giro Donne might have had the toughest neutral opening section ever, a seven kilometre climb at an average of 7%
By Owen Rogers • Published