Team HTC-Columbia is sending an experienced squad to support team leader Bernhard Eisel in the 2010 edition of the mythical Hell of the North Paris-Roubaix Classic - the toughest and most challenging one-day event on the entire pro cycling calendar.

"Everybody but Adam [Hansen] has ridden Paris-Roubaix before, so they know what to expect," Team HTC-Columbia sports director Tristan Hoffman commented, himself finishing second in the 'Hell of the North' back in 2004 and fourth in 2002 and 2000.

"Today the whole team went to ride over the last part of the course, checking out all the important cobbled sections, so that they know what's coming up. The cobbles aren't too muddy right now, and although it's been raining for the last few days the weather should be good this weekend."

Hoffman believes the pre-race reconnaissance in Paris-Roubaix is vital, given it is like no other race.

"Paris-Roubaix is a very special event, something unique in sport, not just cycling. So as a rider it always pays to go and remind yourself what you will be letting yourself in for on Sunday."

Hoffman believes that HTC-Columbia's riders are "all capable of staying with the front group in Paris-Roubaix at least until it gets down to the last 50 or 60, and maybe fewer."

"After that, Bernie [Bernhard Eisel] will be there to make his move. Paris-Roubaix is a race which suits him a little better than the Tour of Flanders, and just like in the Tour of Flanders, we'll be basing our race strategy around him."

Team HTC-Columbia's Paris-ROubaix 2010 roster:
Bernhard Eisel (Aut); Lars Bak (Den); Matt Goss (Aus); Adam Hansen (Aus); Hayden Roulston (NZ); Vicente Reynes (Spa); Marcel Sieberg (Ger), and Martin Velits (Svk).