Another team switches to disc brakes for Paris-Roubaix
Direct Energie becomes the latest team to move to discs for the Hell of the North
After Lampre-Merida and Roompot-Oranje Peloton switched to disc brakes at the Tour of Flanders last weekend, Direct Energie will become the latest team make the transition as they plan to use the technology for Paris-Roubaix on Sunday.
>>> Disc brakes, new Pinarellos, and strange shifters from the Tour of Flanders
The French team had a BH G7 Disc bike on top of one of their team cars at the start of the Tour of Flanders, but did not use it during the race, choosing instead to test the bike at Scheldeprijs yesterday. All but one of the team's riders were using discs, and plan to continue to do so on Sunday, although team leader Sylvain Chavanel was not racing in Scheldeprijs and it is unclear whether he will also be using discs.
Watch: your essential guide to Paris-Roubaix
Aside from Lampre-Merida and Direct Energie, the only other team that we think might use disc brakes at Paris-Roubaix is Bora-Argon 18, who, like Direct Energie, had a few disc brake bikes hanging around at the start of the Tour of Flanders, but did not use them in the race.
>>> 10 ways the pros modify their bikes for the cobbles
And the improved wet weather braking of those discs could well come in handy on Sunday, with some of the cobbles sectors currently wet and covered in mud to the point where the race organisers are considering removing them from the race, as well as a chance of rain early in the race.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Why do cars keep getting bigger – and will it ever end?
Ever-widening cars are threatening to squeeze cyclists off the road. It has to end somewhere, doesn't it?
By James Shrubsall Published
-
See safely and be seen friendly with RAVEMEN PR2000 headlight
With its wireless remote control and versatile design, this Ravemen front light will keep you running on the darkest nights
By Sam Gupta Published
-
‘I was just on a mad one’ - Lewis Askey reflects back on the ride that helped him turn pro
British rider remembers his victory at Paris-Roubaix juniors
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
From broken back to Paris-Roubaix podium: Bob Donaldson is making a statement
Second at Paris-Roubaix Espoirs, just a year after his career was almost cut short, the young Brit is ready to turn pro
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'There's blood on my handlebars': Inside one rider's debut at Paris-Roubaix Juniors
Patrick Casey got his chance to ride the Hell of the North after going through the Red Bull Junior Brothers programme
By Adam Becket Published
-
Elia Viviani says helmet 'saved his life' in Paris-Roubaix crash
The Italian abandoned the race after 40km on Sunday, but left without any fractures
By Adam Becket Published
-
Opinion: Mathieu van der Poel firmly grasps legend status with second Paris-Roubaix victory
Reigning world champion deserves his place alongside Roger de Vlaeminck and Eddy Merckx as one of cycling’s greatest-ever one-day racers
By Tom Thewlis Last updated
-
Van der Poel ‘in a different league’ at Paris-Roubaix, says Mads Pedersen
Former world champion forced to settle for third on the podium behind Van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘It’s a completely different beast’ - Tom Pidcock happy with top 20 finish after ‘epic’ Paris-Roubaix debut
British rider was unable to grip his handlebars properly in the finale as the last cobbled sectors arrived
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I just wanted to make it a hard final' - Mathieu van der Poel on 'unplanned' Paris-Roubaix winning attack
The world champion launched his race winning move on the Orchie cobbled sector, almost 60 kilometres from the Roubaix velodrome
By Tom Thewlis Published