Paris-Roubaix: Tracing the path of one of cycling's oldest races

A rider from the Rabobank team prepares to cycle from the team bus to the beginning of the race
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Spectators arrive early on the route to secure a place on what is one of the monuments of the European cycle racing calendar
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Using a bridge in the famed Arenberg Forest to get the best view of the race
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Spectators line the route through the forest. The Trouée d'Arenberg is 2,400m long, dead straight and one of the reasons why the race is tagged the Hell of the North
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Riders, holding on to their padded bars, have to take the rough with the smooth
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

The cyclists have to remain focused at all times as they weave their way along the route
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

The riders were grateful there was no rain at this year's event, which can make the surface slippery and the race doubly dangerous
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Dust rises off the path as the riders progress. Spectators stand well back as the cyclists, who often ride on the edge of the road where the cobbles tend to offer a gentler ride, whizz by
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Bumpy roads means plenty of mechanical problems and frequent punctures. Spare wheels are carried on the back of a motorbike
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Fans young and old cheer on the riders as they attack the pavé
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

The event bring out racing fans and cycling enthusiasts alike
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Juan Antonio Flecha of Team Sky catches his breath after coming third. The winner, Fabian Cancellara, clinched a famous double in this year's classics as he won the Tour of Flanders the week before
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Time to change out of the cycling shorts, get a massage and eat some food after a hard day's work in the saddle
Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian