Basketball legend Lebron James encourages Mathieu van der Poel into Paris-Roubaix - "The World is watching for a reason"

Paris-Roubaix is one of the most prestigious races in the cycling calendar and it is one of the races with the highest attendance - both on the road, and spectators on TV. One of them could be Lebron James, who has shared a video encouraging Mathieu van der Poel ahead of the 'Hell of the North'.

James is widely recognized as one of the best basketball players in history, and is one of the leading sports figures in the United States of America and one of the most recognizable worldwide. He is also a shareholder at Canyon, van der Poel's personal sponsor and the bike supplier of Alpecin-Premier Tech.

At Paris-Roubaix, not only are the riders required to be at their best, but more than ever so is their equipment. In recent years the job has been done to perfection, with the Dutchman taking three consecutive victories - whilst his teammate Jasper Philipsen has finished second on two of them - and the wins in this race are a testament to the bikes that the riders participate on.

"Nothing but respect for greatness at the highest level. MVDP s a different breed: The preparation, the mindset, the willingness to embrace the pain, that's what separates the legends from the rest," James shared in an Instagram clip.

"The Hell of the North is not just a race, it's a test of will. The mud, the cobbles, the chaos, it's about who you are when everything gets uncomfortable. Go be great, go make history, the world is watching for a reason. Oh and it looks like the squad is having fun on the new Canyon bikes too. You guys be great, and I'll see you guys".

The race this Sunday sees Mathieu van der Poel and World Champion Tadej Pogacar go head-to-head following their clash at the Tour of Flanders; whilst the likes of Wout Van Aert, Mads Pedersen and Filippo Ganna are also taking to the start in prime form.