UAE rider abandons Paris-Roubaix; gets stopped on motorway by police after getting lost riding to finish
At least Andrea Guardini got to see the end of the race in the local police station
Of all the scenarios that Andrea Guardini envisaged at the end of Paris-Roubaix, he probably didn't expect to be watching the finale of the race from inside a police station after getting picked up by police for riding on a motorway.
The UAE Team Emirates rider decided to abandon the race at the second feed zone with 68km remaining, but was told by a soigneur that they wouldn't be leaving in the team car for another 40 minutes.
>>> Five things we learned from Paris-Roubaix 2017
Deciding that it would be quicker to ride to the finish himself, the Italian rider then set off on the most direct route, which unfortunately included the A23 motorway.
https://www.facebook.com/andreaflashguardini/posts/1866210070313588
Guardini was then filmed riding along the road by a passing fan, before being stopped by French police.
Thankfully the police were lenient on Guardini, just giving him a ticking off, before loading his bike into the back of the van and helping him out with a lift to a police station in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, where he was even able to watch the end of the race!
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Pros upload their rides to Strava after fastest ever Paris-Roubaix
A few phone calls later, and Guardini was back in touch with his team, with a soigneur dispatched to the police station to pick him up.
As thanks for helping him out (and presumably also for not arresting him) Guardini gave his dusty race jersey to the police.
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
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.
-
'We were talking about going to the Giro d'Italia': Jonas Vingegaard postpones Giro-Tour attempt - for now
The Danish two-time winner of the Tour de France is seeking to regain the yellow jersey in 2025
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Why are so many women cycling in the gym, but not outside?
Gender imbalance persists in outdoor cycling, but inside, it is a different story. Isobel Duxfield explores why
By Isobel Duxfield 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