Paris-Roubaix cobbles ‘too dangerous’ to be included in Tour de France, says Movistar boss
But Eusebio Unzué still thinks route suits Quintana
The Paris-Roubaix cobbles are "dangerous" and should not be included in the Tour de France 2018 route, according to the head of the Movistar team.
Speaking after the announcement of next year's Tour de France route, which includes nearly 22km of cobbles on stage nine, Eusebio Unzué criticised the race organiser's decision to include cobbled roads for the first time since 2015.
"What I don't understand is [the decision to include] the pavé. It's too dangerous," the Movistar team manager Eusebio Unzué told L'Equipe.
"Cycling is already a risky sport, and on the pavé those risks are multiplied... the pavé should be for Paris-Roubaix and that's it."
The cobbles were last included in the Tour in 2015, with stage four of that year's race seeing no abandons on the road to Cambrai. However in 2014 the riders tackled the cobbles in more inclement weather, such that race organisers had to bypass seven water-logged sectors.
That day also saw a number of riders involved in crashes, with defending champion Chris Froome abandoning, albeit after a crash which took place before the race had reached the cobbles.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
However, despite criticising the decision to include cobbles in the Tour route for 2018, Unzué went on to say that he didn't think that the pavé would disadvantage star rider Nairo Quintana, with the route in general being advantageous for a climber such as the Colombian.
"I think it's a good Tour for Nairo Quintana," Unzué continued. "With all the difficulties [of the route] it will be a great climber who will be rewarded in July.
"[The cobbles] do not necessarily disadvantage Nairo. In 2015 he did well [finishing 23rd on the cobbled stage and not losing time]."
Thank you for reading 20 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.
-
I can’t even remember the price of my latest bike — the trauma is too deep
Dream bikes are best left locked up in fantasy land, argues CW's columnist
By Michael Hutchinson Published
-
Buying a saddle online without a fit is a risky move — here's how to find the best perch for you
Getting your saddle right makes all the difference, we spoke to an expert to help guide you in the process
By Rob Kemp Published
-
British super-talent Cat Ferguson set for pro debut this weekend
Eighteen-year-old to race La Choralis Fourmies in first Movistar outing
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Nairo Quintana’s former doctor to face trial for doping offences
Fredy Alexander Gonzales Torres is accused of "possession of a substance or method prohibited for use by an athlete" during the 2020 Tour de France
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Opinion: There will never be another bike rider like Annemiek van Vleuten
The flying Dutchwoman could almost win it all, but now her era has almost ended, she should be remembered as the greatest
By Adam Becket Published
-
Will Barta's Canyon bike snaps in Giro d'Italia stage 10 crash
Movistar rider was caught up in incident in sodden day at Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket Published
-
Alejandro Valverde to return to racing with new Movistar gravel squad
Spanish veteran will pin on numbers in his first ever gravel race at ‘La Indomable’ in Spain on 23 April
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Women’s WorldTour calendar 'a mess' and 'a nonsense' says Movistar boss
The UCI must invest in the bottom of the pyramid to ensure the sport’s future says Sebastián Unzué
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Where next for Mark Cavendish after B & B Hotels-KTM's collapse?
We look at where the ‘Manx Missile’ could find himself next after the collapse of B & B Hotels-KTM
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Where next for Nairo Quintana? Colombian claims he'll still be at WorldTour races
Bahrain-Victorious say no, Movistar are full, Astana-Qazaqstan and AG2R-Citroën have already denied interest
By Adam Becket Published