Watch: Incredible on-bike highlights from eventful Paris-Roubaix
An alternative perspective on the astonishing race
The 2021 Paris-Roubaix Men's race didn't disappoint, as the rough terrain and cobblestones coupled with the rain made for an even more difficult, and eventful, race.
On-bike footage, captured by Velon, provides even greater detail as to how treacherous the terrains were during the race, and how the riders attempted to navigate the route.
With cameras either on the riders' rear or front wheel, the footage is captured on board the bikes of Lawrence Naesen (AG2R Citroën), Leonardo Basso (Ineos Grenadiers), Senne Leysen (Alpecin–Fenix), and Sébastien Grignard (Lotto–Soudal).
The video also shows the dramatic final moments of the race, when Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain Victorious) stole the win from Florian Vermeersch (Lotto Soudal) just metres before the finishing line. Colbrelli's raw emotion immediately after the race features during the video too, depicting the Italian's euphoria as he sat on the grass completely overwhelmed with his victory.
From the rear wheel of Lawrence Naesen, we get to see the aftermath of a crash between two riders as other cyclists swerve to dodge the pair on the side of the road.
The Belgian's rear wheel also shows two more crashes during the on-bike video. In one crash, the riders bunch up while braking, causing a shunt at the back of the pack, which is subsequently captured on camera. In the other, you can see one rider directly behind Naesen lose their balance trying to navigate a roundabout in slippery conditions, leading to plenty of others having to take evading action.
Meanwhile, a brilliant shot from Leonardo Basso helps to expertly provide a perspective on just how uneven the cobbled surfaces are, the the camera unable to show a clear image due to the immense shaking.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Sébastien Grignard's rear wheel camera shows someone flying off their bike as they lose grip going around a bend, while also highlighting other riders' reactions to the incident. Finally, on more than one occasion the depth of water is made clearer through Senne Leysen's camera at the back of the bike.
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
Ryan is a staff writer for Cycling Weekly, having joined the team in September 2021. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before making his way to cycling. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer.
-
My bike-mounted garage opener is a luxury gimmick – but it's worth every penny
It's silly and extravagant, but also a huge convenience that I've come to appreciate in my daily cycling life
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Strava blocks other apps from using leaderboard and segment data
Exercise tracking app says move will help maintain user privacy in the long term
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tweets of the week: Forget the cobbles, Paris-Roubaix is now all about goats and chicanes
It's a Hell of the North special in this week's social media round-up
By Tom Davidson Published
-
37psi in 32mm tyres: Why tyre pressures are getting lower at Paris-Roubaix
As wider tyres become commonplace, riders are running lower pressures at the Hell of the North
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I've never seen the cobbles as bad as this' - Inside one team's Paris-Roubaix recon
Tom Davidson joins British Continental team Lifeplus-Wahoo as they prepare for the most feared race of the season
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I never wanted to be known as the TikTok cyclist' - how Alison Jackson wrote her legacy at Paris-Roubaix
The Canadian tells Cycling Weekly how a day across the cobbles of northern France changed her career
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Seven tech insights spotted at Paris-Roubaix 2023
From tyre pressure systems to old-school chainrings, here's what Cycling Weekly saw at the race
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers rider runs half marathon after finishing Paris-Roubaix
Cameron Wurf is a triathlete, so it's unfair really. He is not the first cyclist to dabble with trainers, however
By Adam Becket Published
-
Tweets of the week: Cobbles, barbecues, and what on earth is curry ketchup?
Strap in for our pre-Paris-Roubaix round-up of social media's finest
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Why goats are helping ready Paris-Roubaix's cobbles for spring
Cared for by a local charity, a herd of goats are enjoying their new duties in the Forest of Arenberg
By Tom Davidson Published