{"id":1876464,"date":"2026-04-10T13:09:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T10:09:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876464"},"modified":"2026-04-10T13:09:37","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T10:09:37","slug":"could-the-addition-of-a-rarely-used-uphill-cobble-sector-ignite-early-attacks-at-paris-roubaix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876464","title":{"rendered":"Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1600-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPete Trifunovic <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:09:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The 26th sector at Briastre was last used in 2017<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Sector 26 at Briastre, photographed on Friday<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future\/Pete Trifunovic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-35cfa2ed-5c85-43c3-b122-320fb60916ea\">The men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix features no fewer than 30 cobbled sectors, making up just shy of 55km of the 258km-long route. Each section of pav\u00e9 is ranked from one to five stars based on its length and difficulty, with some of the cobblestones in much better condition than others.<\/p>\n<p>However, for this 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix, the men&#8217;s route will include a pav\u00e9 sector that is not just testing due to the terrain, but also an added element of elevation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-35cfa2ed-5c85-43c3-b122-320fb60916ea-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sector 26 in this year&#8217;s race, named Briastre after the nearby village, has rarely featured in the route and was last used in 2017.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Roubaix 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes route<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">What is the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le? A look at one of the trickiest sections of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The 800m, three-star stretch of pav\u00e9 has an average elevation of 3.4%. While that isn&#8217;t likely to put too many riders in trouble on its own, the sector&#8217;s position in the route, shortly after the opening four pav\u00e9 stretches that come thick and fast, may add an extra edge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Speaking to the media during the race&#8217;s official reconnaissance on Tuesday, race director Thierry Gouvenou said: &#8220;The first four sectors come in very quick succession, with almost no tarmac, creating an unmatched density of cobbles. At the end of this sequence, we are adding sector 26, which is rarely used and includes an 800-metre uphill section.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With these comments in mind, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> paid a visit to the sector ahead of this year&#8217;s Hell of the North to assess the uphill cobbles for ourselves and also witnessed Soudal-QuickStep testing out the new portion of the route, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-26571fbc-f8fc-4034-adac-d2553d0b4ca4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A closer look at the cobbles <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future\/Pete Trifunovic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-89ca42a2-faa9-4c27-b253-df9df4240cfa\">&#8220;It&#8217;s not the worst sector, and those before it are harder, but this goes slightly up. The condition of the sector before [Viesly \u00e0 Briastre] is much worse; this one is okay,&#8221; long-serving Soudal-QuickStep sports director Tom Steels explained at the end of the sector.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s already the fourth sector, so riders can be eliminated, but it depends on the two sectors before. It&#8217;s not an easy one, and there&#8217;s a big gap between this and the next sector, he added.<\/p>\n<p>In both 2023 and 2024, Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s Alpecin-Premier Tech squad set an infernal pace in the opening kilometres of pav\u00e9, decimating the bunch in the process. With the added complexity of this small rise to also contend with, there could be early action again this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-my-view\"><span>My view<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U-GylFsgn2FNdu98IEhogGbKNpwRLjfvTe\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U-GylFsgn2FNdu98IEhogGbKNpwRLjfvTe slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Pete Trifunovic<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Engagement Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>Running adjacent to a small cattle farm, the addition of Briastre adds a small element of uphill action into the early cobble sectors. The elevation alone isn&#8217;t likely to make many of the peloton shudder with fear; however, while this sector might not singlehandedly inflict damage on the peloton, coming quickly after the first four pav\u00e9 sectors may mean that it puts extra distance between those already in the gutter or who have had mechanical misfortune. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>While the sector gently ramps up as it passes the farm and fields of cattle on its right, the conditions of the cobblestones here are far less treacherous and crowned than elsewhere on the course, potentially due to Briastre rarely featuring on the race route. Once at the top of the 800m stretch, riders will take a left back onto the tarmac and towards Solesmes via the main road, and aim to thrive or survive over the 25 sectors still to come.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d7132063-3d61-49e8-af81-49082bdfa699\"><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Pete Trifunovic<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Engagement Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Pete joined\u00a0<em>Cyclingnews\u00a0<\/em>as Engagement Editor in 2024 having previously worked at GCN as a digital content creator, cutting his teeth in cycling journalism across their app, social media platforms, and website. While studying Journalism at university, he worked as a freelancer for<em>\u00a0Cycling Weekly\u00a0<\/em>reporting on races such as the Giro d\u2019Italia and Milan-San Remo alongside covering the Women\u2019s Super League and non-league football for various titles. Pete has an undeniable passion for sport, with a keen interest in tennis, running and football too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Roubaix 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What is the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le? A look at one of the trickiest sections of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What is the Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg? Paris-Roubaix cobbles at their most iconic in Arenberg Forest<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Conquering the cobbles \u2013 A brief history of Paris-Roubaix bike evolution<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pays de la Loire Tour: Antoine L&#8217;Hote thrills home crowd with first career victories as stage 4 win also delivers GC title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Skoda develops bike bell that can bypass noise-cancelling headphones, and then gives the technology away for free<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPete Trifunovic <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:09:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The 26th sector at Briastre was last used in 2017<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1600-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Sector 26 at Briastre, photographed on Friday<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future\/Pete Trifunovic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-35cfa2ed-5c85-43c3-b122-320fb60916ea\">The men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix features no fewer than 30 cobbled sectors, making up just shy of 55km of the 258km-long route. Each section of pav\u00e9 is ranked from one to five stars based on its length and difficulty, with some of the cobblestones in much better condition than others.<\/p>\n<p>However, for this 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix, the men&#8217;s route will include a pav\u00e9 sector that is not just testing due to the terrain, but also an added element of elevation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-35cfa2ed-5c85-43c3-b122-320fb60916ea-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sector 26 in this year&#8217;s race, named Briastre after the nearby village, has rarely featured in the route and was last used in 2017.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Roubaix 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes route<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">What is the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le? A look at one of the trickiest sections of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The 800m, three-star stretch of pav\u00e9 has an average elevation of 3.4%. While that isn&#8217;t likely to put too many riders in trouble on its own, the sector&#8217;s position in the route, shortly after the opening four pav\u00e9 stretches that come thick and fast, may add an extra edge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Speaking to the media during the race&#8217;s official reconnaissance on Tuesday, race director Thierry Gouvenou said: &#8220;The first four sectors come in very quick succession, with almost no tarmac, creating an unmatched density of cobbles. At the end of this sequence, we are adding sector 26, which is rarely used and includes an 800-metre uphill section.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With these comments in mind, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> paid a visit to the sector ahead of this year&#8217;s Hell of the North to assess the uphill cobbles for ourselves and also witnessed Soudal-QuickStep testing out the new portion of the route, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-26571fbc-f8fc-4034-adac-d2553d0b4ca4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A closer look at the cobbles <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future\/Pete Trifunovic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-89ca42a2-faa9-4c27-b253-df9df4240cfa\">&#8220;It&#8217;s not the worst sector, and those before it are harder, but this goes slightly up. The condition of the sector before [Viesly \u00e0 Briastre] is much worse; this one is okay,&#8221; long-serving Soudal-QuickStep sports director Tom Steels explained at the end of the sector.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s already the fourth sector, so riders can be eliminated, but it depends on the two sectors before. It&#8217;s not an easy one, and there&#8217;s a big gap between this and the next sector, he added.<\/p>\n<p>In both 2023 and 2024, Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s Alpecin-Premier Tech squad set an infernal pace in the opening kilometres of pav\u00e9, decimating the bunch in the process. With the added complexity of this small rise to also contend with, there could be early action again this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-my-view\"><span>My view<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U-GylFsgn2FNdu98IEhogGbKNpwRLjfvTe\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U-GylFsgn2FNdu98IEhogGbKNpwRLjfvTe slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Pete Trifunovic<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Engagement Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>Running adjacent to a small cattle farm, the addition of Briastre adds a small element of uphill action into the early cobble sectors. The elevation alone isn&#8217;t likely to make many of the peloton shudder with fear; however, while this sector might not singlehandedly inflict damage on the peloton, coming quickly after the first four pav\u00e9 sectors may mean that it puts extra distance between those already in the gutter or who have had mechanical misfortune. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>While the sector gently ramps up as it passes the farm and fields of cattle on its right, the conditions of the cobblestones here are far less treacherous and crowned than elsewhere on the course, potentially due to Briastre rarely featuring on the race route. Once at the top of the 800m stretch, riders will take a left back onto the tarmac and towards Solesmes via the main road, and aim to thrive or survive over the 25 sectors still to come.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d7132063-3d61-49e8-af81-49082bdfa699\"><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Pete Trifunovic<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Engagement Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Pete joined\u00a0<em>Cyclingnews\u00a0<\/em>as Engagement Editor in 2024 having previously worked at GCN as a digital content creator, cutting his teeth in cycling journalism across their app, social media platforms, and website. While studying Journalism at university, he worked as a freelancer for<em>\u00a0Cycling Weekly\u00a0<\/em>reporting on races such as the Giro d\u2019Italia and Milan-San Remo alongside covering the Women\u2019s Super League and non-league football for various titles. Pete has an undeniable passion for sport, with a keen interest in tennis, running and football too.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Roubaix 2026 route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes route<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What is the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le? A look at one of the trickiest sections of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What is the Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg? Paris-Roubaix cobbles at their most iconic in Arenberg Forest<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Conquering the cobbles \u2013 A brief history of Paris-Roubaix bike evolution<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Racing<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/tmASFRKsWCwtoamrtznL98-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/YxszKomdRyz694whKgafcZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8N8iYt6AYSemCRHHxvLPCB-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Pays de la Loire Tour: Antoine L&#8217;Hote thrills home crowd with first career victories as stage 4 win also delivers GC title<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in News<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Skoda develops bike bell that can bypass noise-cancelling headphones, and then gives the technology away for free<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nPete Trifunovic <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T13:09:37Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">The 26th sector at Briastre was last used in 2017<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Each section of pav\u00e9 is ranked from one to five stars based on its length and difficulty, with some of the cobblestones in much better condition than others.<\/p>\n<p>However, for this 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix, the men&#8217;s route will include a pav\u00e9 sector that is not just testing due to the terrain, but also an added element of elevation.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-35cfa2ed-5c85-43c3-b122-320fb60916ea-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Sector 26 in this year&#8217;s race, named Briastre after the nearby village, has rarely featured in the route and was last used in 2017.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TqBNTJiV8ZsiDYPRS8iYCL-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Roubaix 2026 route<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes route<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/uZVBRDdEzP7HUsBq94x53h-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">What is the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le? A look at one of the trickiest sections of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The 800m, three-star stretch of pav\u00e9 has an average elevation of 3.4%. While that isn&#8217;t likely to put too many riders in trouble on its own, the sector&#8217;s position in the route, shortly after the opening four pav\u00e9 stretches that come thick and fast, may add an extra edge.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Speaking to the media during the race&#8217;s official reconnaissance on Tuesday, race director Thierry Gouvenou said: &#8220;The first four sectors come in very quick succession, with almost no tarmac, creating an unmatched density of cobbles. At the end of this sequence, we are adding sector 26, which is rarely used and includes an 800-metre uphill section.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">With these comments in mind, <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> paid a visit to the sector ahead of this year&#8217;s Hell of the North to assess the uphill cobbles for ourselves and also witnessed Soudal-QuickStep testing out the new portion of the route, too.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-26571fbc-f8fc-4034-adac-d2553d0b4ca4\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3QVmKWQX72iXe5gQKHuGs9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">A closer look at the cobbles <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Future\/Pete Trifunovic)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-89ca42a2-faa9-4c27-b253-df9df4240cfa\">&#8220;It&#8217;s not the worst sector, and those before it are harder, but this goes slightly up. The condition of the sector before [Viesly \u00e0 Briastre] is much worse; this one is okay,&#8221; long-serving Soudal-QuickStep sports director Tom Steels explained at the end of the sector.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It&#8217;s already the fourth sector, so riders can be eliminated, but it depends on the two sectors before. It&#8217;s not an easy one, and there&#8217;s a big gap between this and the next sector, he added.<\/p>\n<p>In both 2023 and 2024, Mathieu van der Poel&#8217;s Alpecin-Premier Tech squad set an infernal pace in the opening kilometres of pav\u00e9, decimating the bunch in the process. With the added complexity of this small rise to also contend with, there could be early action again this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-my-view\"><span>My view<\/span><\/h3>\n<div id=\"slice-container-person-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U-GylFsgn2FNdu98IEhogGbKNpwRLjfvTe\" class=\"slice-container person-wrapper person-NhsrXrbgChd2Fw3XYDMt3U-GylFsgn2FNdu98IEhogGbKNpwRLjfvTe slice-container-person\">\n<div class=\"person person--separator person--strapline\"><span class=\"person__strapline\">From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"person__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/mGKQSTEKubisyktyGg7PyP.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__heading\"><span class=\"person__strapline-inline\">From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"person__name-socials\"><span class=\"person__name\">Pete Trifunovic<\/span><\/div>\n<aside class=\"person__role\">Engagement Editor<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"person__bio\">\n<p><em><strong>Running adjacent to a small cattle farm, the addition of Briastre adds a small element of uphill action into the early cobble sectors. The elevation alone isn&#8217;t likely to make many of the peloton shudder with fear; however, while this sector might not singlehandedly inflict damage on the peloton, coming quickly after the first four pav\u00e9 sectors may mean that it puts extra distance between those already in the gutter or who have had mechanical misfortune. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><strong>While the sector gently ramps up as it passes the farm and fields of cattle on its right, the conditions of the cobblestones here are far less treacherous and crowned than elsewhere on the course, potentially due to Briastre rarely featuring on the race route. Once at the top of the 800m stretch, riders will take a left back onto the tarmac and towards Solesmes via the main road, and aim to thrive or survive over the 25 sectors still to come.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-d7132063-3d61-49e8-af81-49082bdfa699\"><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><u><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/could-the-addition-of-a-rarely-used-uphill-cobble-sector-ignite-early-attacks-at-paris-roubaix\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-1600-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Road Paris-Roubaix Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix? News By Pete Trifunovic published 10 April 2026 The 26th sector at Briastre was last used in 2017 When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1876464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1876464"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876464\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}