1987 Paris-Roubaix: Eric Vanderaerden on Winning the Toughest Hell of the North

Eric Vanderaerden’s victory in the 1987 Paris-Roubaix stands out as one of the most brutal and memorable editions of the race, often referred to as the Hell of the North. Battling through mud and harsh weather conditions, Vanderaerden emerged triumphant after a grueling contest that saw only 47 of the original 192 riders finish. In a reflective interview conducted in 2007, Vanderaerden recounted how he timed his decisive move perfectly, chasing down a breakaway and then outsprinting his rivals to claim one of cycling’s most iconic wins. At 25 years old and on his fourth attempt at Paris-Roubaix, Vanderaerden had already demonstrated his potential, notably with a near-win in 1985 when he was forced to abandon after a long solo effort. Riding for the dominant Panasonic team under manager Peter Post, Vanderaerden benefited from strong team support, particularly from teammates De Keulenaer and Lammerts. Despite the challenging conditions, Vanderaerden’s background as a three-time Belgian cyclo-cross champion gave him an edge in the mud and rain, which he described as favourable to his racing style. Preparation for the race was less about meticulous course reconnaissance and more about instinct and experience, Vanderaerden explained. Unlike many riders who extensively study the route, he relied on memory from previous races to guide him. The race strategy was straightforward under Post’s leadership: to win at all costs. Vanderaerden’s tactical awareness was evident when he seized the moment after Sean Kelly, his main rival, crashed with 25 kilometres remaining, allowing him to bridge the gap to the leading group and secure victory. Vanderaerden also touched on the practical aspects of the race, from bike setup with larger tyres at lower pressure to the simple nutrition of the era, consisting mainly of sandwiches with banana, jam, or honey. The finish line in 1987 was outside the La Redoute factory rather than the velodrome, adding a different character to the finale. Although the traditional cobblestone trophy was not awarded that year, Vanderaerden still treasures the small golden cobble he received, a symbol of his hard-fought triumph. Reflecting on his career, Vanderaerden considers his Paris-Roubaix win as one of his greatest achievements, alongside his 1985 Tour of Flanders victory. The race remains a testament to his resilience and skill in the toughest conditions, with the showers and mud of Paris-Roubaix forming an inseparable part of its legendary status. His story continues to inspire fans and riders who admire the grit required to conquer the Hell of the North.