Mention the word Roubaix to any cyclist and their legs, arms and elbows will suddenly begin to ache.
The regional French city is the end point of the famous Paris – Roubaix race, one of the worlds most gruelling annual bike races held on the uneven cobblestone roads of northern France.
While not a race and certainly not designed to be gruelling, the inaugural Footscray-Roubaix cycling event on Sunday, March 2 will also be held on cobblestones, but this time on the laneways and back alleys of the inner west.
The event is the brainchild of local Footscray cyclist Elwyn Davies who said that while being influenced to the famous French race, it’s actually modelled on the Brunswick-Roubaix cycling event.
“We just thought we’d do one locally to explore the Footscray area because there’s lots of cobbled back lanes and you might see bits of the area you’re not used too,” said Mr Davies of the ride, which also doubles as a fundraiser for the Footscray based Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC).
“The idea is that people will make a donation as they see fit on the day or afterwards because we feel the work they (ASRC) do is valuable.”
Mr Davies is hoping for 50 or more riders for inaugural event, which will begin at 10am then follow a 30 kilometre route that will be released on cycling apps, Strava and Ride GPS, a week earlier.
“It’ll also be clearly marked with painted arrows on the day,” added Mr Davies of the route which riders can complete at their own pace
“There’s a few pubs on the way and a few places to get some food,” he said.
“We won’t be rushing it.”
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Cade Lucas.
