Roubaix Winner Dirk Demol Talks Tour Cobbles!

Former Paris-Roubaix winner Dirk Demol, now a directeur sportif, shared his insights on the upcoming 2018 Tour de France Stage 9. This particular stage, running from Arras to Roubaix, is set to feature 15 distinct sections of the iconic 'Hell of the North' cobbles. Demol, a veteran of these brutal roads, was interviewed by PezCyclingNews to discuss the unique challenges and strategies involved in tackling such a cobbled stage within the Grand Tour context.

Demol's perspective is particularly valuable given his 1988 Roubaix victory and extensive experience both as a rider and DS navigating these treacherous pavé sectors. This stage's inclusion marks a significant strategic inflection point in the 2018 Tour, forcing GC contenders to contend with the specialized skills usually reserved for Classics riders. The decision to incorporate such a substantial amount of cobbles so early in the race could dramatically reshape the overall standings, potentially neutralizing pure climbers or favouring those with a more robust, Classics-ready team.

It's a familiar Tour de France gambit: inject a dose of chaos to thin the herd. Demol's counsel will undoubtedly be heeded by any GC hopeful who values their dental work and their overall ambitions.