Paris-Roubaix startline - final quotes and countdown to Queen of Classics

Paris-Roubaix 2024: the start line view
Paris-Roubaix 2024: the start line view (Image credit: Getty Images)

The atmosphere on the start line of Paris-Roubaix in Compiegne was subdued but with an air of underlying tension on Sunday morning as riders gradually sensed the importance and significance of the day.

The training, recon rides, bike tech decisions and debates about chicanes and cobbles have all been done. The only thing left to do was race hard for 259.7 kilometres in what is surely the most dramatic race of the men’s season.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, joining in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel. Their favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from the 2024 season include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.