The first 100 kilometres are flat of the Paris-Roubaix cobblestone classic before the field hit the first of 27 cobbled sections that give the race its popular title - 'the Hell of the North'.
And Yoann Offredo felt the full impact of the race.
The French rider suffered a nasty crash at the back of the peloton as the main bunch chased down a breakaway group of four riders: 2007 winner Stuart O'Grady, Gert Steegmans, Mathew Hayman and Clement Koretsky.
Watch the video for more.
3 News
source: newshub archive
