Specialized teams to ditch Roubaix for Paris-Roubaix, brand predicts

S-Works Roubaix
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Specialized has confirmed that it expects “the majority” of its sponsored riders to shun the Roubaix bike at the race it was originally designed for, instead using the all-rounder Tarmac SL8 at this weekend's Paris-Roubaix.

Speaking to a select group of media, the Specialized product team explained that despite the Roubaix being ‘born’ on the cobbles of northern France, and of course sharing its name with the famous one-day classic, its sponsored teams instead are expected to opt for the lighter and more aero Tarmac SL8, in line with our Paris Roubaix tech preview predictions. 

Josh Croxton
Associate Editor (Tech)

Josh is Associate Editor of Cyclingnews – leading our content on the best bikes, kit and the latest breaking tech stories from the pro peloton. He has been with us since the summer of 2019 and throughout that time he's covered everything from buyer's guides and deals to the latest tech news and reviews. 

On the bike, Josh has been riding and racing for over 15 years. He started out racing cross country in his teens back when 26-inch wheels and triple chainsets were still mainstream, but he found favour in road racing in his early 20s, racing at a local and national level for Somerset-based Team Tor 2000. These days he rides indoors for convenience and fitness, and outdoors for fun on road, gravel, 'cross and cross-country bikes, the latter usually with his two dogs in tow.