Safety first at Paris-Roubaix with Arenberg chicane, One Cycling project in limbo, fears grow over Israel-PremierTech's presence

It’s time for Paris-Roubaix: the race that every kid dreams of winning, but that half the pro peloton hate. After last weekend’s chaos on the Koppenberg in the Tour of Flanders, what lies in wait in the ‘Hell of the North’?One thing that's already clear is that race organisers ASO and the riders' union the CPA are determined to put a strong emphasis on safety, most specifically with the introduction of a chicane right before the entrance to the most notorious section of cobbles in the Arenberg Forest.We hear from CPA president Adam Hansen, who reveals what drove this initiative and why he believes it's "wonderful". But, we ask, does it also alter the essence of this legendary race?The hot topic over the off-season, the One Cycling project is now on the back burner. Has it hit the buffers and come to nothing as some are claiming? Or is there still some life in it? We've been gauging the current attitude within the sport to the scheme and reveal how close it was to happening and what, ultimately, stymied it.  Since the start of the 2024 season, another issue concerning the sport has been Israel-PremierTech’s presence in races and the risk that poses to the peloton given the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. We report on growing anxiety within some teams and how IPT have responded to being the potential target for protests.Plus, we hear from Cofidis's Harrison Wood on his way to make cycling better, while our new quiz reveals the answer to the question: what's the lowest kilometric amount of cobbles to feature on the route of Paris-Roubaix?This podcast is brought to you with the support of our sponsor, Saddle Skedaddle.Music provided by HearWeGo Marion - High Hopes Support the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices