Joseph Areruya becomes the first black African rider to finish Paris-Roubaix
The 23-year-old crossed the line but finished outside the time limit
Joseph Areruya (Delko-Marseille Provence) has become the first ever black African rider to start and finish Paris-Roubaix.
The Rwandan finished outside the time limit, at least more than half an hour down on winner Philippe Gilbert, but becomes the first black African to cross the finish line in the Hell of the North.
Television cameras caught Areruya on the course stopped by the side of road, picking himself back up after he crashed 101km from the finish, in sector 20, the four star rated Haveluy to Wallers.
The 23-year-old was one of 10 riders to finish outside the time limit, in what was a typically tough and attritional day on the cobbles.
On the start line in Compiègne, Areruya said: "My goal this year will be to get to the finish on time and then do better.
"I know that my experience will be shared with the African continent and I hope that young Rwandans will dream of imitating me."
Areruya's team-mate, the Lithuanian Evaldas Šiškevičius, finished ninth, and was the highest placed rider on a Pro-Continental team.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Before joining Delko-Marseille Provence in 2018, Areruya was at Dimension Data. The highlights of his career so far include a win in the overall classification of the Tour of Rwanda in 2017, followed by a National Time Trial Championship victory in 2018.
Philippe Gilbert won the 117th edition of Paris-Roubaix after beating Nils Politt in a sprint inside the Roubaix velodrome.
Yves Lampaert finished third with reigning champion Peter Sagan fourth after becoming detached from the leading group in the closing kilometres.
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
Jonny was Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor until 2022.
I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
Cycling TV and streaming guide: How to watch this week’s races as Tour Down Under opens 2025 season and Wout van Aert headlines Cyclocross Benidorm
Everything you need to know about how to watch cycling online and on TV wherever you are in the world, with a schedule of races, events, and broadcasts this week.
By Patrick Fletcher Published
-
I’m a nutritionist and a cyclist, believe me when I say you’re probably not getting enough protein
Here's how much protein you actually need, how to choose the best protein sources, and sample protein-packed meal plans for omnivore and plant-based diets
By Elizabeth Harroun Published
-
'I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone' - Mathieu van der Poel on Tadej Pogačar winning Paris-Roubaix
Dutchman says current road world champion has already proven he has what it takes to thrive on the cobblestones of the Hell of the North
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jasper Philipsen: 'All eyes will be on us at the Classics but we will be ready'
Milan-San Remo winner says Alpecin-Decuninck will be prepared to have a target on their back next year
By Tom Thewlis 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