An unexpected rainstorm that blew into the region has drenched the roads around San Rafael and looks to be a huge factor in the race this evening. To many fans the only true Marin-Roubaix, is a wet Marin-Roubaix with the wet and sloppy conditions expected to weed out all but the hardest of the hard men. With the race scheduled to start regardless of weather conditions, we could very well be in for a legendary edition of the mid-Spring monument. With a hot and dry Tour of Flanders only two days in their rearview mirror, it is unlikely that any of the top contenders for the European races will be a factor tonight with a huge edge going to the local strongmen who relish the cold and wet. Equipment selection will be a key factor no doubt, but the winner will not be determined in the warm dry mechanics tents but out on the cold, wet and dark "la terre cassee." The only result that can be guaranteed is that the victor will earn their glory.
Marin Hardmen Ready for Battle
As the hour fast approaches, the favorites are making their final preperations for Marin-Roubaix. We were able to catch up with a few of them and get their thoughts on tonights race.
Stijn Cherry-Team Northside-THC.
"I have good sensations this day. The weather suits me and the colder and wetter the better. I predict that many of these fancy boys like Lodewick and Foley will likely melt in the rain. Robinski is certainly one to watch as is Hushvod as always. I will look to attack in the Railroad d'Arenberg. Otherwise I will work for Hushvod."
Jimmy Robinski - Whirlpool Spa Racing
"This race is mine to lose. I am peaking at the perfect time and I see no one who can stop me from claiming the Marin-Roubaix. Lodewick is nothing, a non factor. Yes, he was at my party but he was not invited, in typical fashion. I will dedicate my win to the ladies."
Van von Simeon - Whole Athlete
"ARRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. FEAR ME!!!!"
Dario Fredericcio - Whole Athlete
"I am tranquility. I have been meditating and fasting for 6 days straight in preperation for tonight. The Roubaix demands total focus and calm. I have blocked out that mother-f***er Lodewick and his media circus. Budda will guide me to the velodrome."
Last Minute Changes to Course Made for Rider Safety
PHRO President Joos Litvalk has made several last minute, although relativly minor changes to the finishing approach to the legendary San Rafael velodrome. Litvalk stated that the modifications were necessary to prevent rider injury as the traditional single track access to the stadium was rendered unrideable by the recent storms.
"While PHRO has total appreciation for the tradition and history of Marin-Roubaix, we felt that the safety of the riders was our paramount concern. The possibility of injury on the singletrack approach was to great a risk to take."
When it was pointed out that the "tradition and history" he was referring to was actually non-existant due to the inaugural nature of tonight's race, Litvalk dismissed the remarks claiming, "Always, always, always there will be those who dismiss the heritage of our great people." Unwilling to elaborate on this puzzling statement, the ever enigmatic Litvalk then walked out of the press tent without a further word. What his words mean is still being debated throughout the peloton.
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