Just two hours from Paris and a little over an hour from Brussels, Denain is a land of striking contrasts. It is a green and blue town adorned with an abundance of trees and the waters of the Scheldt. Its expansive network of motorways, railways and waterways grants it a prime economic location at the heart of the Hauts-de-France region.
It boasts a rich architectural and historical heritage from its mining and industrial heyday, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as its magnificent Italian-style theatre (a one-fifth scale replica of the Opéra Garnier). Even so, people are the greatest asset of Denain. Its sharp values were forged in the fires of industry: first, an appreciation of effort through work, then, solidarity in everyday life, and finally, respect for people of all origins and social classes.
Numerous athletes have embodied this state of mind: Jean Degros, who won the 1965 top-tier French basketball league with Denain Voltaire, which now plays in the Pro B league; Fabien Gilot, a gold medallist in the 4 × 100 metre freestyle relay at the London 2012 Olympics and other premier international events; and many others who continue to make Denain a hotspot of competitors and champions! Cycling lovers also feel right at home in this land of cycling.
Since 1959, the town has helped to organise the Grand Prix de Denain Porte du Hainaut, a bicycle race currently ranked as a UCI ProSeries event whose numerous cobbled sectors attract the cream of the crop. It is an immense honour for Denain to once again serve as the start town for the fifth edition of Paris–Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift. We are confident in the success and popular appeal of this major sporting event in our region.
May the best woman win!
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La porte du Hainaut :
La Porte du Hainaut urban area is proud to again host the Paris–Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift on its iconic roads. This corner of the world, burning with passion for cycling, moves to the rhythm of the cobblestones that have shaped the legend of the race season after season. Urban authorities are throwing their weight behind the growth of cycling and women’s sports. Supporting clubs, developing infrastructures and encouraging participation for all are just a few of the actions that reflect a powerful aspiration: to turn sport into an engine of well-being, cohesion and territorial attractiveness. Paris–Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift epitomises these values of determination and excellence. Seeing the world cycling elite go head to head on these roads is a source of inspiration for all young athletes in the area. Here more than anywhere else, sport is about living a passion and leaving a legacy. Come to meet us and enjoy the fan zones in Haveluy and Sars-et-Rosières, featuring giant screens, light meals and refreshments and fun activities for children and grown-ups.
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