RABOBANK’S FLECHA JUST MISSES PODIUM AT PARIS-ROUBAIX

A crash in the closing kilometers foils impressive ride by Spanish classics specialist

Riding custom Giant TCR Advanced SL bikes built with special modifications to handle the punishing cobblestone roads of Paris-Roubaix—the traditional “Queen of the Classics” race in northern France—Team Rabobank had a solid showing marked by aggressive racing on Sunday.

Rabobank’s team leader Juan Antonio Flecha, a two-time podium finisher at the grueling race known as the “Hell of the North,” put in a tenacious effort that netted him sixth place in the 259-kilometer race from the outskirts of Paris to the northern city of Roubaix. The Spanish veteran was headed for a possible podium finish before he crashed just 17 kilometers before the finish at the Roubaix Velodrome.

“I felt like I was having my best legs ever in Roubaix,” Flecha told Cyclingnews.com.

Aggressive riding by his Rabobank teammates helped Flecha make the final six-man selection with about 50 kilometers to go. He joined eventual winner Tom Boonen (Quick Step), Johan Van Summeren and Leif Hoste (Silence-Lotto), Thor Hushovd (Cervélo TestTeam) and Filippo Pozzato (Katusha) in the winning break at the 210-kilometer mark.

Crashes often play a major role in the outcome of Paris-Roubaix, and this year was no exception. Flecha was in perfect position until he slid out coming around a left-hand turn into the Carrefour de l'Arbre sector of pavé. He was able to get back up and hold off the chasers, but had to settle for sixth place.

After the race, Flecha praised the solid work of his Rabobank teammates, particularly Australian Mathew Hayman who finished fourth at the Gent-Wevelgem semi-classic last Wednesday.

Rabobank riders used modified TCR Advanced SL bikes featuring custom aluminum rear dropouts that extended the chainstay length by 7 millimeters. They also switched forks, trading the standard TCR Advanced SL for a Giant Defy Advanced fork with a special dropout to provide increased comfort and more front wheel clearance on the rugged cobblestone roads.