Russell Downing's "unbelievable" Paris-Roubaix

Russell Downing, Paris-Roubaix 2013

The rolling lanes of South Yorkshire may be a long way from the bleak farm tracks of Northern France, but for Russell Downing his ride into the velodrome in Roubaix last Sunday will live long in the memory.

The 34 year old Net-App-Endura rider, back home and blasting around the local chaingang once again this week, finally realised his long-held dream to tackle the ‘Queen of the Classics.' Although 24 minutes behind Fabian Cancellara and Sep Vanmarcke, he achieved what 78 riders failed to do and completed one of the most demanding and iconic races in professional cycling.

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Richard Abraham is an award-winning writer, based in New Zealand. He has reported from major sporting events including the Tour de France and Olympic Games, and is also a part-time travel guide who has delivered luxury cycle tours and events across Europe. In 2019 he was awarded Writer of the Year at the PPA Awards.