Paris-Roubaix is the world's most famous one-day cycle race. Held in north eastern France it is aptly known as "The Hell of the North" - a name resulting from the long stretches of muddy farm roads, paved with rough-hewn "bone-shaking" cobblestones. The course is made more treacherous by notoriously fickle weather, often including rain, wind and snow.The race has been held annually, on the third Sunday in April, since 1896, and follows a 270km course between the suburbs of Paris and the city of Roubaix."Paris-Roubaix: A Journey Through Hell" recounts the history and excitement of the race in oversized format and with hundreds of spectacular colour and black and white photos. The authoritative text is put together by top sportswriters at France's L'Equipe magazine and gives the inside story of the race and its traditions, and the champion cyclists it has helped to confirm.Spectacular black and white and colour photography brings into stark contrast the harsh conditions of this race and the toll it takes on its riders - the "hard men" of cycling.
The editors of L'Equipe, the premier cycling and sports publication in France, have compiled the content for this book from their comprehensive archives. A chronological sequence unveils the history of the race. The book includes profiles of the most colourful and dominant riders. It includes an exclusive, behind-the-scenes chapter, a perspective shared only by those who have travelled to witness Paris-Roubaix first hand.

Translated by: David Herlihy