Paris Roubaix

Carrefour de l’Arbre: The Decisive Moment of Paris-Roubaix

On April 9th, 1989, Carrefour de l'Arbre became the defining moment of Paris-Roubaix. The cobblestone sector, notorious for its difficulty and danger, saw Belgian legend Eddy Planckaert break away from the pack and secure his victory. This iconic moment has been etched into the history of the race, serving as a testament to the strength and determination required to conquer the "Hell of the North."

Mons-en-Pévèle: the relatively forgotten 5 star Paris Roubaix sector

The cobbled sector of Mons-en-Pévèle is synonymous with toughness and pain in the cycling world. It's a defining feature of the Paris Roubaix race and a true test of a rider's ability to endure. With its treacherous terrain and unforgiving gradient, this grueling stretch of road separates the wheat from the chaff and crowns the race's ultimate champion.

Arenberg Forest: The Brutal Cobbles of Paris Roubaix

The Arenberg Forest is one of the most famous cobbled sections of the Paris Roubaix race, known for its brutal conditions and challenging terrain. Riders must navigate 2.4 kilometers of uneven, jagged cobblestones at high speeds, testing their strength and endurance to the limit. The section has seen some of the most epic battles in the history of the race, with riders pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion in pursuit of victory. Despite its difficulty, the Arenberg Forest remains a beloved part of the Paris Roubaix route, and riders continue to dream of conquering its unforgiving cobbles.

What can I expect from the Paris Roubaix Sportive?

The Paris Roubaix Sportive is a cycling event that takes place in Northern France each year. It is one of the most challenging and prestigious amateur cycling races in...

Cobbled Sectors of Paris Roubaix Femmes

The 2022 Paris Roubaix Femmes contains 17 sectors of pavé. They each vary in difficulty and the race organisers provide a star rating for every sector. From the single...

Arenberg Forest Cobbles – Paris Roubaix

The Arenberg Forest or Trouée d'Arenberg in French is a stretch of road in Northern France. It's famous for its brutal cobbles and for forming the crunch point in...

Roubaix Velodrome – A History

These days there are two velodromes in Roubaix. One is indoors and not even 10 years old yet. The other is the immensely iconic outdoor one that sees the...

The forgotten story of Julien Vervaecke

Born just before the end of the 19th Century, Julien Vervaecke went onto win a monument and finish on the podium of the Tour de France. His career was...