BMC has succeeded in gaining an invitation to one of the monuments of cycling. “We are very happy to have been invited to the Paris-Roubaix as it shows the level of confidence that the race organizations have in our future,” Directeur Sportif John Lelangue explained. “It is an incredible race and every one of our riders will be proud to participate.” The extremely high level of competition will necessitate realistic expectations, as Paris-Roubaix will arguably be the most prestigious and difficult race yet for BMC. “In such a race, the level is so high that we will need to set attainable objectives,” Lelangue said. “First and foremost we are excited about gaining the experience, and so we will work hard to be aggressive in the breaks and ultimately be there at the end in Roubaix.”

Bring a mix of young and experienced riders

Paris-Roubaix is one of those special races that every professional wants to race at least once in a career. BMC has a stable of young riders who are keen to excel on the cobbles. “We will certainly bring a group of riders motivated to succeed in the race,” Lelangue said. “Danilo Wyss took a podium place in the U23 race a couple of years ago, so we are counting on young riders like Wyss, Martin Kohler, Thomas Frei and Brent Bookwalter.” Lelangue continued, “I was also very pleased to see how well Ian McKissick handled the cobbles in the most recent races in Flanders, and we will have more experienced riders like Alex Moos, Jeff Louder and Tony Cruz to round out a very strong group.” The team has a full schedule between now and April 12 to help prepare them for their rendezvous with the cobbles. “I am really proud for the team and know that the guys will arrive at the start line well prepared and motivated,” Lelangue concluded.

Nic from Specialized shows us Tom Boonen’s Roubaix, which he used to win the famed Paris Roubaix race last year. According to Nic, Specialized worked in conjunction with Tom in the development of the new Roubaix, asking the sprinter what he needed to win. Tom’s feedback included a longer wheelbase and a super stiff bottom bracket to help with the sprint. The result is the Specialized Roubaix SL2, a bike that you and I can go and buy at our local LBS. A direct copy of the bike Boonen won Paris Roubaix with…

Specialized Roubaix SL2

• Mavic’s new R-SYS wheels use tubular carbon spokes working in both traction and tension on the wheels allowing for lighter and stiffer wheels. Ti QR’s for even further weight reduction.
• The S-Works FACT 10r carbon frame features our FACT IS construction, Zertz inserts, and an oversize BB, which means it’s light, comfortable, and super-efficient.
• The S-Works FACT carbon fork features an oversize race for an unwavering front end; the vibration-absorbing Zertz inserts are there to take the edge off.
• The S-Works Pro-Set stem uses a carbon-wrapped top cap and front cap with Ti front bolts—light, but with no strength penalty.
• The S-Works SL FACT carbon handlebar is light, strong, and comfortable; the short-reach drop keeps your hands right where you want them.
• The S-Works SL FACT carbon seatpost is light, stiff, and tough. And thanks to its Zertz insert, it’s forgiving, too.
• The comfortable and scientifically proven Body Geometry Toupé Gel saddle features a carbon-reinforced base for stiffness and hollow Ti rails for minimum weight.
• The redesigned for ‘09 Dura-Ace crankset takes Shimano’s top-of-the-line road components to an all new level of 10-speed performance with minimal weight.

More info at Specialized.com
Own one? Write a review here!

Masterlink Films announces the world premiere of their debut film, Road to Roubaix, documenting the most difficult and prestigious one-day road cycling race in the world.

New York, New York, June 1, 2008 — Masterlink films announces the world premiere of its first feature-length documentary film, Road to Roubaix, at the Bicycle Film Festival (www.bicyclefilmfestival.com), on June 1, 2008 at 7:00 PM local time. Road to Roubaix takes moviegoers along for the epic one-day, 122 year-old professional road race Paris-Roubaix, which features over 160 miles of the most difficult terrain the riders will encounter all season. The film includes interviews with the biggest names in cycling: Lance Armstrong. Tom Boonen, George Hincapie, Fabian Cancellara, Juan Antonio Flecha, Sean Kelly, Jean-Marie Leblanc and many more.

Masterlink Films founders and directors, David Deal and David Cooper, bring you a film that goes beyond the limits of what broadcast television can offer. Road to Roubaix tells the stories of the riders, mechanics, fans and the brutal, unpredictable landscape that is the stage for Paris-Roubaix. The film combines rare, behind-the-scenes footage, stunning panoramic views of the race, and a collection of archival and contemporary still images that most people never see.

The trailer for Road to Roubaix can be viewed at www.masterlinkfilms.com

ABOUT MASTERLINK FILMS: A diverse team comprised of creative professionals and commercial photographers that offer a fresh approach to filmmaking, from meticulously composed scenes to an emphasis on story as an art form.