The hardest and the most beautiful Classics Race on the pro-calendar – the Paris-Roubaix, and Tom’s won it 4 times.
Here comes the Boonen
In the early days there was nowhere to watch live pro-racing . We had very little in the way of choice. So, in the springtime, we’d ride to a little known French cafe in Clapham, and in between the rugby and the football, they’d screen the Queen of the Classics – The Paris-Roubaix. It may have been sunny and dusty in France, but it always seemed to rain here in London. And the only thing that made it better was watching a young Belgian smash it on the cobbles. His name is Tommeke Boonen.
Celebrating the Classics Classic
16 years in the game, and still going strong
space
People often remember the likes of Jens Voigt and Fabian Cancellara, but Tom is the man who is still riding strong and will be forever synonymous with conquering the cobbles. This year, if dreams come true, he will be going for the record 5 Roubaix’s. And considering he came in a close-second last year, he has everything to play for.
space
If there was any question of what Tom’s retirement goal is for this year, then what he shared today leaves us with no doubt:
“Set a goal so big that you can’t achieve it. Until you grow into the person who can! Going for nr5” – Tommeke Boonen
Here’s to you, Tom. One more, Tom.
This Classics Legend is saying goodbye in style.
Want to know more about Roubaix?
- See how the Baroudeurs fared when they hit the cobbles in the Paris-Roubaix Challenge.
- Celebrate as the local community comes out to cheer in ‘I Love Roubaix’
- How you can make a weekend of it with some – ‘Family Time’
