Big Changes at the Famous Hell of the North: Paris-Roubaix Brings Updates Cyclists Won’t Be Happy About

The organizers of the prestigious Paris-Roubaix cycling race have announced the addition of two new cobbled sections to this year’s route.

Known for its challenging cobblestone roads in northern France, the event will now feature an even more demanding course.The new cobbled stretches will be located along the road leading up to the iconic Trouée d’Arenberg, a notorious section often regarded as one of the toughest challenges of the race. The addition of these sections is part of an effort to enhance the race’s difficulty and maintain its reputation as the “Hell of the North.”

Thierry Gouvenou, the race director, explained, “By adding them, we’ve created a series of five sectors almost entirely without asphalt.” This year’s edition, the 122nd Paris-Roubaix, will cover 259.2 km from Compiégne to Roubaix, with a total of thirty cobbled sectors. The race is scheduled to take place on April 12.

Additionally, the organizers have addressed last year’s safety concerns by modifying the controversial chicane that was added before entering the Trouée d’Arenberg. The sharp reverse turn, which received significant criticism, particularly from race winner Mathieu van der Poel, caused much debate among cyclists and fans alike.

Gouvenou revealed that the new adjustment would provide a smoother way for riders to slow down before approaching Arenberg. The revised course will now include four right-hand turns on the final kilometer leading up to this challenging segment, offering cyclists a safer and more gradual reduction in speed.

These changes are expected to further elevate the excitement of the Paris-Roubaix race, making it even more demanding for participants and showcasing the race’s enduring legacy as one of cycling’s most grueling tests.