Sports
My guest on the podcast today is former professional cyclist Magnus Backstedt. In a career which lasted over 12 years Magnus won may races including stage 19 of the 1998 Tour de France and the opening Team Time Trial stage of the 2008 Giro d’Italia, but his biggest victory came in the 2004 edition of the Paris Roubaix. Infamously known as the Hell of the North, Paris Roubaix is the Queen of the Classics, and is arguably the toughest one day race in the world. Covering nearly 260km, the race includes around 30 cobbled sectors or pave which brutally test rider and machine to breaking point. Paris Roubaix is perhaps the most prestigious of one day races. Whilst many riders will plan their whole season around attempting to win Paris Roubaix, it is seen as a huge achievement to even finish the race. On a personal note, Paris Roubaix is my favourite race of the whole season and it was incredible to hear Magnus describe the feelings he had on the day that he took the top step of the podium as a champion of Paris Roubaix.