First Chinese rider for Paris-Roubaix

The Paris-Roubaix one-day classic will welcome its first ever Chinese rider to the start line when Long Jin saddles up for the Dutch team Skil.

The 25-year-old has raced in the European peloton since 2006 and will make his debut in the race known as the 'Hell of the North' in the company of Japanese teammate Fumiyuki Beppu, who has already competed in the race.

Long Jim admitted excitement about the prospect of making history forChina when he saddles up for the prestigious Paris-Roubaix one-dayclassic.

But the 25-year-old from near Beijing, who began hiscareer on the track, knows his joy could be tempered by the fact he maynot even see the finish line of Roubaix's famous outdoor velodrome.

"I'mexcited about being able to race here. It's a massive race which I'vewatched on television. So I know all about, and how difficult it is.But all I can do is try," Jin told AFP.

"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."

Defeatistswould have a field day with some of the pre-race feelings atParis-Roubaix, but when you consider that nearly half the 198 strongpeloton failed to finish last year it puts things into perspective.

Nearly53km of treacherous cobblestones, spread out over 27 sections, pepperthe 259km long race course from Compiegne, just outside Paris, toRoubaix near the Belgian border.

Those usually leave theirmark on the peloton, many of whom crash, suffer punctures, lose groundand eventually drop out. Others, having laid the groundwork for moreambitious teammates, are more or less scheduled to drop out anyway.

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

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

"We've had himfor 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 isnot 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 arevery important for the Chinese, and because he finds going from race torace in Europe really tiring right now he's not in great form."

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.