by Justin Davis

COMPIEGNE, France, April 11, 2009 (AFP) – Cyclist Jin Long admitted Saturday is excited about the prospect of making history for China when he saddles up for the prestigious Paris-Roubaix one-day classic.

But the 25-year-old from near Beijing, who began his career on the track, knows his joy could be tempered by the fact he may not even see the finish line of Roubaix’s famous outdoor velodrome.

“I’m excited about being able to race here. It’s a massive race which I’ve watched on television. So I know all about, and how difficult it is. But all I can do is try,” Jin told Bicycle.net.

“I prefer one-day races, but my ambitions here are quite modest. We’ll see how it goes whether I get to the end or not.”

Defeatists would have a field day with some of the pre-race feelings at Paris-Roubaix, but when you consider that nearly half the 198 strong peloton failed to finish last year it puts things into perspective.

Nearly 53km of treacherous cobblestones, spread out over 27 sections, pepper the 259km long race course from Compiegne, just outside Paris, to Roubaix near the Belgian border.

Those usually leave their mark on the peloton, many of whom crash, suffer punctures, lose ground and eventually drop out. Others, having laid the groundwork for more ambitious teammates, are more or less scheduled to drop out anyway.

If Jin gets to the finish line it will be an accomplishment in itself.

But despite appearing to have the physique required to race over the treacherous cobbles, his manager at Skil, Rudi Kemna, suggested Jin might be an even better rider had he been brought up racing regularly, and allowed to stay in Europe more permanently.

“We’ve had him for two years in the team, and he’s very strong with lots of potential. Paris-Roubaix will be a great experience for him but to be honest he is not at that level yet,” said Kemna

“One of the problems is that in China the riders are brought up training a lot and racing very little.

“Also, soon he will go back to race for China in the Asian Games, which are very important for the Chinese, and because he finds going from race to race in Europe really tiring right now he’s not in great form.”

Jin will race in the company of Japanese teammate Fumiyuki Beppu, who has already competed in the race.
Skil also includes two former winners of the amateur edition of the race in Dutch pair Koen de Kort (2004) and Tom Veelers (2006).

Among the big favourites for Sunday’s race, held over 259km between Compiegne and Roubaix near the Belgian border, is defending champion and two-time winner Tom Boonen of Belgium.