'His progress is amazing' - Josh Tarling the youngest Paris-Roubaix rider since 1937

Josh Tarling will be the youngest Paris-Roubaix competitor since 1937
Josh Tarling will be the youngest Paris-Roubaix competitor since 1937 (Image credit: Getty Images)

Paris-Roubaix is not for the faint of heart, and it's not usually for the teenaged. But conventions will be bucked on Sunday as Josh Tarling clatters onto the cobblestones to become the youngest competitor at the Hell of the North in 86 years. 

Not since Paul Botquint in 1937 has anyone raced Paris-Roubaix with fewer than the 19 years and 53 days Tarling has under his belt, the Frenchman having placed 22nd after taking to the start 16 days younger than Tarling. 

Patrick Fletcher

Patrick is a freelance sports writer and editor. He’s an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor’s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish). Patrick worked full-time at Cyclingnews for eight years between 2015 and 2023, latterly as Deputy Editor.