Joshua Tarling set to become youngest Paris-Roubaix rider in 86 years: "He can't wait to get stuck in"

History will be made this Sunday at Paris-Roubaix with INEOS Grenadiers' Joshua Tarling set to become the youngest rider to race the Hell of the North since 1937.

"His progress is amazing," INEOS Grenadiers Classics director, Ian Stannard revealed to Cycling News. "Coming from the junior races last year, we were bit like 'ok, where's he going to fit into the team this year?' Then he does Paris-Nice and E3 and he's just buzzing to be here, can't stop smiling, and can't wait to get stuck in."

Not since Paul Botquint all the way back in 1937 has rider younger than the 19 years and 53 days old Welshman. 86 years ago, Botquint finished a very respectable 22nd and Tarling will be hoping to match a similar level of result this Sunday.

"It's hard to know what to expect when they come in so young, but he's actually got a calm level head on him, loads of power, and you'd almost class him as someone who has some experience. He doesn't seem like a neo-pro. He's really calm and collected in this thoughts and understanding of the races," Stannard continues. "Obviously time trialling is his thing and I think these cobbled races are going to be something for the future for him. He's still learning about himself and we're still learning about him. But he's delivering every time we ask him to do something."