Preparing For Paris - Roubaix

It is quite a long time since I've spoken about Classics but Paris - Roubaix is a very special race.
I love to hear every year the same refrain about the new powerful and innovative suspensions that  bikes constructor have prepared for the race.
It makes me laugh so much.
Specialized Roubaix bikes have amused me enough. This year I want to talk about the new Pinarello Dogma FS. "The carbon frame features electronic front and rear suspension system. A battery pack is located in the seat tube of the bike and powers the two suspension units, enabling them to adapt to the road surfaces as they change."
We have now read the presentation of this new fantastic technology and we are nodding at this great idea.
Now, I invite you to watch the picture above.
What the hell are we talking about?
Do you believe that a battery pack under your ass can make you feel more comfortable while riding a humpback cobblestones sector? Please, be serious.
That's the reason why I love Paris - Roubaix, you can't bluff.
In recent year I decided to boycott brands that create silly bikes ahead of Paris - Roubaix.
These brands desecrate this incredible race just to have a bit more of visibility.
The preparation of Paris - Roubaix is something spiritual.
During the recognition you just try to be part of the sector, to become a cobble, to adjust the pressure of your tires so as not to hurt the cobbles too much.
This is the only preparation you need and your bike should be as basic as possible, because in order to merge yourself with the simplicity of a stone, you have to be simple as well.
See you on Sunday.

Cycling Impressions Interviews: Sofia Bertizzolo

Last Sunday we appreciated the fantastic ride of Sofia during Gent-Wevelgem In Flanders Fields and after the race we had the great pleasure to interview her.
Here is what she told us.

Hi Sofia and thank you very much for your time! Your attack in the Gent - Wevelgem has been simply amazing. How do you feel on the cobbles?

I've started racing on the cobbles since my first year among the élite.
It took a long time to be able to race on the cobbles but with my new team I found out the mistake I made, for example the pressure of the tires.
Adjusting the mistakes, I'm starting to have much better performances.

That's a good news! We can't wait to see you in the next races. What is your favorite race?
I love racing in Italy!
Talking about my favorite race, It's a hard battle between Trofeo Binda and Giro Rosa.

You mentioned two fantastic races. We will support you during Giro Rosa. Do you have a sport hero?
I don't have a proper hero enlightening my sport path.
I admire Federica Pellegrini for showing her value since she was young and being able to remain at a certain level and I admire Valentina Vezzali for her huge career. (Yes, I know they are both women)

Let's go back to you and your career. Where did you start? Track cycling, cyclocross or road cycling?
I started with road cycling, the discipline I still love the most.
I had a short parenthesis with track cycling when I was Junior. It has been really interesting and full of adrenaline, but I chose to abandon it.

What is your goal for this first season with your new team, Team Virtu Cycling?
I've so much to learn.
I have so many elder teammates with a lot of experience, I've the possibility to learn a lot from them and I want to make the most of it.
I want to do the same with the great skills of the DS, of the massage therapists and of the mechanics.

You are very humble and this will lead you to great results. We have almost done, here is the last question: what are your hobbies when you don't cycle?
I study, I cook and I take care of my orchard and of my garden.

Thank you Sofia and good luck! Cycling Impressions will always support you! We wish you all the best!

Cycling Songs: Bicycle Song - Red Hot Chili Peppers

How could I forget to mention the bicycle is a good invention?