Paris-Roubaix, or The Hell Of The North is often regarded as the hardest one-day race in the pro calendar, and is one that our own Conor Dunne never managed to ride when he was a professional, and that's something of a regret. But just how hard is it? Can Conor keep up with a World Tour men's team? Fizik sent us out to join AG2R-Citroën on their recon ride so Conor can get a real taste of the cobbles!
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#gcn #cycling #roadbike #ParisRoubaix #Cobbles #AG2RCitroen
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Do you think you could keep up with the pros?
You forgot the most important detail: Ollie and Greg's tyre width?
No.
for 5-10 seconds... MAYBE :)
Seeing Connor’s Wahoo computer flopping around one moment and it’s gone the next, just shows how hard those cobblestones are. In a complete unrelated note, I now know what sections of Paris Roubaix are best for picking up free GPS units.
quite a nice souvenir 😂
Looks like the brake lever slipped too!
He did loose his computer, right?
I love how GCN's presenter shows that they can do this and they can't do that. it seems relatable for me, I can conclude from GCN videos that you should know your limit and there's no shame to hide it. people will learn and improve so I believe someday I'll be strong enough, there's a process so enjoy your ride.
Self harm / abuse videos aren't allowed on KZhead. This video is illegal and its been reported to the authority. IT'S going to be deleted. You're not allowed to love these sick, delusional self harm self abuse craziness videos.
I loved how the people on the side of the road on that last sector were cheering Conor on. It seemed to take him a little by surprise that people knew his name. :-)
I love how Connor, a former World Tour Pro, got nervous riding with current World Tour Pros!!! Way to go Connor!
I've done athletics professionally. I had to take a break once for 2 weeks(injury) and it took me 6 months to get to the same results before that break. 2 years after leaving, you would think I did not do sports. It takes consistent training to maintain that form, so it's understandable that he is nervous.
the pros are REALLY fast
@@aliancemd it's one of those funny things, you say it's like you've never done sports, but to the general public you probably still seem superhuman. I'm only an amateur, but shared some of my experiences with my colleagues, and they kept saying I should be like racing with the pros and stuff. I used to say that the difference between them and myself was smaller than the difference between me and the pros. Pro level athletes are actually insane, doesn't matter what sport.
Good job, Connor - on the bike and in front of the camera. Those gelly muscles flapping while on cobbles look hilarious 😁
Connor was even flapping his wings to try and keep up on the cobbles - top effort.
He surely put enough padding in there for cusioning
حّخًهكًهخهگً
got to get that uplift
Self harm videos aren't allowed on KZhead. The top effort was MY reporting to the authority, this garbage.
In the forest section just how many of the pro’s took the easy option and road on the path up the side. Well done Conner 👍
Self abuse videos aren't allowed on KZhead.
Don‘t let the teams have a too close look on Connor, he might go pro again. It has happened before, he is still up there, be careful GCN. What we definitely need is El Alto vs. Ahrenberg. I think it will just fly over the cobbles.
OMG perfect "El Alto Meets the Cobbles"! Preferably with a new Hank/Connor song at the end.
By far, Connor's best video on GCN. Actually, arguably one of the best GCN videos I've yet to see. Watching Connor on his limit is so relatable and, he's still broadcasting while trying to catch the pros. Regardless of the result, this is pretty impressive.
That shifter coming loose and the computer loss kind of tell how harsh this is for the equipment as well!
Paris Roubaix is a tough day to be a mechanic
My garmin tabs just broke on the weekend when I hit a rumble strip about the same as those cobbles, it's no joke I should have looked around for other computers as well :)
Such a great job! The content, the storytelling, cinematography
Conner is a legend, bravo!! Keeping up with a pro team primed and ready for Roabaix even just an hour is legendary. Love the vidoes from all the GCN team, Informative and entertaining. Cheers to Conner's tenacity.
Incredible effort Conor and how amazing are some of the shots in this video 👏 👏 👏
Real Hell is Donegal 555 Conor and you know that. Alone in the changeable weather in strong wind. But you made it good today!.
Impressed and thank you for making / sharing, Conor and GCN. So cool to see Roubaix that way.
My absolute favorite race to watch every year. Good luck to all the riders that take on those glorious and mischievous cobbles. Cheers from Maine.
Conor, that was very cool. Seeing how much you suffered really puts it into perspective. Great insight...!
Great video. Like most sports, you don't realise how hard it is until you see it live or do it yourself. What a great insight and a great video, especially being edited In 2-3 days. Will be a late night here in Australia watching it. Side note- a before and after condition of the bike would be good to see
Awesome vid mate. Always amazes me how bikes don’t just break up into pieces during this event, it looks truly savage. Can’t wait for tomorrow for the actual race. Cheers
Chapeau Conor; truly! Thank-you GCN. Great today for the women's P-R and good luck for tomorrow's riders. Thanks again for Spokane, WA and our amazing Centennial Trail! Ride safe everyone and cheers!
Loved this one Conner. Great performance on the bike, and the behind the scenes insights were very interesting too!
I love the support he was getting at the end :)
Well done Connor! Living many of our dreams for us. Thank you!
Bloody great effort Connor, well done that man! 💪🏽
Amazing Connor. You are a great sport. Inspiring and fun to watch. I think AG2R should give you a contract too!
Well done Conner! Would love to see a condition report of the bike.
Brilliant video that really illustrates the hell the cobbles put the body through. Great job to Conor and the GCN team to talk us through the hardest one-day monument.
Great video, insight and excellent commentary. Connor still has it, top man.👍
Conor sending cobbles so hard, in Frame 13:07 - 13:09 slowmotion we see his handlebar setup really damaged. Like the hoods are not at Same posion anymore. But most important „where is you Wahoo computer?“ is it broken Off your bike? Since min 13:09 it is gone😮 Anyone noticed that too? Cheers Conor having you there to Check this insane Classicer for us, thanks❤
Actually it's gone @ 8:40 already
I was wondering, during Aremberg section, will it last till the end?🤔don’t think so
Yeah, left hood dropped. Must have slipped with the weight on it over the cobbles.
Self harm videos are illegal on KZhead.
Wow! Speaking from a cinematographic standpoint, amazing shots!!!!!
This video is getting taken down cause self abuse videos are illegal. When Are you idiots going to realize this fact? IT'S NOT amazing shots. IT'S illegal and soon to be destroyed. I've taken down 1000 violent videos from KZhead and I've reported this self abuse self harm video too. When I see YOU jase, I'm going to take YOU down too. You're not going to ruin the Internet for everyone, we're going to stop YOU when we get the chance. You're a grubby little fellow and you'd better clean up your act.
So proud of you Connor, keeping up with the pros, almost to the last, what a shame one of the team couldn't have checked in with you at the end :( such a big effort x
And the pro riders didn't have to concentrate on presenting to the camera - in some ways Connor's was more impressive due to that fact.
@@aliensporebomb Never even thought of that, great going Connor I say
Great video and thanks for bringing us along Conor!
That was a tough one Connor! Great effort and achievement! Best wishes 🍾🥂
Good job by Conner. Another great video. Now on to the race. Take care, Al
Great vid and shows how tough it really gets to keep the momentum 👍🚴♂️
Your Paris-Roubaix content this year is top notch 👏👏👏
brilliant thanks! arenberg is my favourite too. surviving arendberg riding the sportif is one of my most treasured cycling memories.
Great effort Conor and huge respect for giving it a full go!
Did anyone else notice Connor's garmin holder drop at 8:30?
Well done for sticking with it and making it to the finish
Really good job Connor, pro riders are like motorbikes and you were always with them💪 I really hope to see also italian GCN guys do the same thing
Really good video Conor, one of the best ever from GCN. Naesen to win on Sunday...
Well done Connor, gutsy as usual 💪
Awesome! It on my bucket of rides!!! Nice video Connor and GCN!
I think the €50 bikes survived better than the Canyon. Connor started with a head unit and level hoods. Ended without a head unit and his left brake in the drops 🤣 well done!
Well done Conor. May interest you to know that the first cycling race I ever saw live on TV was 1984 Roubaix in a youth hostel in St Malo. Sean Kelly won it. Well done again Conor. Might see you on The Vee this summer. You're easy to spot and I love the Vee.
Great video, Connor. I've just done the 145km Paris-Roubaix Challenge route at the weekend with 19 secteurs of pavé from Arrenberg in to the velodrome. Incredible atmosphere on the same day as the Femmes as we got to ride in to the velodrome and stay there to watch the pro riders come in just after us. Most brutal thing I've ever done and the best. Still can't pick anything up.
Well done Conor. Taking one for the team instead of Hank for a change. Can't wait to watch the race.
Best video Conor has made. Top class
Kudos, Ace. You done good. As in life, finishing is winning.
I love biking but that looks like torture!!! Great effort.
Conor, GREAT effort. Terrific! Thank you.
I'm glad you didn't subject El Alto to that pave, Conor!
Fair play Connor, awesome job!!
Fantastic bloody tough going no thank you Thank you GCN.
Great vid! This was awesome!
My hats off to you ! Well done 👍 !
So impressive to hold on with fully fit pros! Still got it Connor
Nice video and good job on the ride. Conor - the Albatross! Those long slender limbs gracefully flapping over the cobbles! Keep up the good videos
😂
Excellent video and effort, Connor.
Nice one, Conor. Enjoyed that... Thanks
Chapeau Connor! Your arms didn’t fail you so that’s awesome
Christ! Brutal! Great content. Thanks!
The mixed metaphors about fish in/out of water, finally settling on a fish in a little bit of water absolutely killed me. Thanks Conor for the giggles!
Good one Connor, you showed you still have it and still enjoy it.
Oliver, what a legend! Go boy!
You did amazing, awesome job
He may never have rode it when a pro but riding this was a good work around , least he enjoyed it fully 😁
Unreal!!! Well done!
Conor's looking fit with his new haricut :)
What a brilliant film and massive kudos to Connor . Loved this
Glad you enjoyed it
Would have been interesting to know what brother-in-law Nigel would have said about tihs effort! Was hoping for him on commentary :)
honestly, GCNs best video ever, my arms and legs were sore just watching, Conor = Legend
...by far
Well hand yourself in to the doctors mental ward where you belong. They'll fix your soreness and your bad mental health. I'm not going to put up with YOU cheering on the ILLEGAL Videos. The fact is this self harm video is illegal and soon it will be destroyed.
Good man conor you done yourself proud and your country proud too {Ireland 🇮🇪🇮🇪} well done .
Kudos to the Jolly GCN Giant 😀for riding on the cobbles while the team riders were taking the easy option. That's dedication. It sounded as if the bikes have the same tire pressure front and rear. I'd have thought much lower pressure on the front would be advantageous, (but I've never ridden cobbles). 🤔
Great effort Conor..on the bike and in front of the camera..
Great video Steve!
damn good effort Conor .. and yeah that looked like hell
unless you have ridden on some cobbles you cannot really describe to others what it is like - when there is some moisture it is even worse - the tires and hence your handlebars are not only going up and down but also twisting side to side as the front wheel slips off each cobble in a new trajectory - this occurs more frequently when wet - some say the faster you ride the better your tyres bounce from cobble crest to crest but that is a bit misleading - it is an amplitude vs frequency thing - the slower you go the higher your amplitude as your tire does follow the dips of the cobbles more closely - the faster you go the more vibration you induce into your handlebars - it literally does make your arms go numb as they are constantly fighting to hold the "live" handlebar motions in check and also just being shaken stirred and diced - I only rode 2 km of cobbles but it was a painful experience and glad when the tarmac smoothed back out ... Paris-Roubaix is a whole new world-o-pain to that trivial experience - agreed that many of the AG2R Citroen boys avoided the cobbles and rode on the sides - errrr what's the point of "training on the cobbles" if you instead choose to avoid riding them ? - waste of time - while poor masochist Connor braved the HURT head-on - job done
I would encourage anyone who loves their cycling to go ride some of the route. There is a sportive that offers a number of routes that give a taste of the experience. Totally immersive. One of my friends doing this with me had holes in his hands by the end but didnt realise until it was pointed out his gloves were soaked in blood.
It's the painful unwrapping of fingers from bars at end of each section that I found the hardest.
@@philatlondon Couldn't agree more. Did the 145km 19 sectors of pavé last weekend and that finger peel after each sector in particular was the worst....the holes in hands weren't as much of a focus until the shower after but are nasty still now
Did the Sportive 6 months ago, and can only agree with Connor. It was brutal. Arenberg was insane. Chapeau.
Well done Connor! That’s one hell of a ride.
Awesome Conner!
At the end there it looked like you were about to change your name from Conor Dunne to Conor DONE, but man you were such a Trooper! You put it all in perspective for us mortals just how tough this race actually is. You have my utmost respect Forever. Well Dunne! indeed.
Wind sheltering abilities :)
Fab video - well done Conor - I hope an AG2R mechanic was kind afterwards to your poor bike!
Awesome effort Connor! Love how you guys will tackle anything!
Thanks so much!
Super Connor. Some sliotars on you to take that on. Fair play to AG2R for allowing the potential distraction at such a critical day of preparation.
Wow! That was epic! Just hanging on with the group. Amazing! Great job!
Thank you!
Well done, sir! And the fact that it was just 80+ km vs the full race...holy mackerel! That really puts things in perspective!
It's such a hard race
Awesome job!
Well done, Conor! It's impressive that you rode this - yes - but even more so that you did it it good spirits. You are inspiring :)
Thanks Susan!
Good effort for sure! It does indeed take a toll on the equipment, as your computer was bobbing in one scene, then missing in the next. Then towards the end, your left brake/shifter had, um, shifted down the bar a bit. 😅
Yeah I noticed that too! Wondered if the computer came off on its own, or if he removed it because of all the flopping. And yeah, that shifter had done some shifting of its own 😂
Brilliant job, Big Man!
Thank you kindly!
Wow that looked so intense Mr graceful giraffe!!! Congratulations on making it through such a tough ride!!!
Mr Graceful Giraffe... love it 🤣
Great vid!
I don't think Connor's computer mount survived 🤣
Nice work Connor! What happened to your head unit? Looked like it was attached by an elastic band at the start of the cobbles.
That looked brutal! Not bad for an ex pro Connor.
thank you!
Brutal videos, YOU must report. IT'S illegal and your job is to report these sick delusional people.
Great video. Top notch production.
Thank you