How does UAE Team Emirates-XRG prepare for Paris-Roubaix's cobbled sectors?

UAE Team Emirates-XRG prepares for Paris-Roubaix's cobbled sectors through specialized equipment, strategic team selection, and targeted training. The team brings cobbled specialists to support their leaders, recognizing that Paris-Roubaix requires different skills than typical road races. Preparation involves using specific bikes with wider tires, lower tire pressures, and enhanced suspension systems to absorb the brutal vibrations from the cobblestones. Riders train extensively on similar surfaces to develop the unique bike handling skills needed to navigate sectors like the Arenberg Forest and Carrefour de l'Arbre at high speeds. Team strategy focuses on positioning leaders optimally before critical cobbled sections, using domestiques to shield them from wind and mechanical issues. Nutrition and hydration plans are adjusted for the race's extreme demands, as riders can burn thousands more calories than in standard races. The team also studies historical data on each cobbled sector's condition and develops contingency plans for punctures and crashes, which are common in what's known as 'The Hell of the North.' This comprehensive approach aims to give their riders, including world champion Tadej Pogačar, the best chance to conquer cycling's most punishing Monument.

📖 Read the full article: World Champion Tadej Pogačar Targets Maiden Paris-Roubaix Victory