{"id":1876667,"date":"2026-04-10T23:09:24","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T20:09:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876667"},"modified":"2026-04-10T23:09:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T20:09:24","slug":"replacement-stones-and-holes-filled-with-gravel-and-coal-spoil-the-state-of-the-arenberg-forest-amid-cobblestone-thievery-ahead-of-paris-roubaix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876667","title":{"rendered":"Replacement stones and holes filled with gravel and coal spoil \u2013 The state of the Arenberg Forest amid cobblestone thievery ahead of Paris-Roubaix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-2560-80.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>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Replacement stones and holes filled with gravel and coal spoil \u2013 The state of the Arenberg Forest amid cobblestone thievery ahead of Paris-Roubaix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTom Wieckowski <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T23:09:24Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Repair work has been carried out after reports of Roubax souvenir hunters removing cobblestones <\/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\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/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-4472e3eb-1220-4acb-8373-1f553fef297c\">The Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg is one of the most famous stretches of road in all of professional cycling. It&#8217;s also one of the oldest; the cobblestones that make up the two-kilometre stretch of road were laid over a century ago, and due to Arenberg&#8217;s popularity, the stones themselves have been known to be liberated by souvenir hunters from time to time.<\/p>\n<p>That appeared to be the case this year, when cobblestones went missing on more than one cobblestone sector, potentially creating a major safety risk, as reported on by <em>De Telegraaf<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4472e3eb-1220-4acb-8373-1f553fef297c-2\">\u201cThieves, we are dealing with them more and more. On this section [Arenberg], &#8216;Het Bos van Wallers&#8217;, and also the &#8216;Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre&#8217; sector, we have a lot of extra work,&#8221; said Paris-Roubaix race director Thierry Gouvenou.<\/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\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-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 Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg? Paris-Roubaix cobbles at their most iconic in Arenberg Forest<\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/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\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-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\">Conquering the cobbles \u2013 A brief history of Paris-Roubaix bike evolution<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Those are mythical sections, and people steal cobblestones there to take as souvenirs. They just don&#8217;t realise that by doing so, they cause large and deep holes in the path.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It is incomprehensible that they don&#8217;t think about the consequences that could have for the race. That is bound to cause crashes in the women&#8217;s and men&#8217;s races on Sunday. What those people are doing can be life-threatening.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-we-saw-in-arenberg-on-thursday-3\">What we saw in Arenberg on Thursday<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1b3e684b-2fee-40e3-9daf-33cabc90b467\">\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\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-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 handful of holes at the Arenberg trench appear to have been repaired <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4ba97a7-f17b-4320-95cf-f54701373ade\">In a handful of places, the five-star forest of the Arenberg section appears to have been repaired, and in one place near the beginning of the sector, a replacement stone has been installed, with &#8216;April&#8217; and &#8216;10.4.26&#8217; written on the face in black marker pen, perhaps referencing the repair date.<\/p>\n<p>The replacement stone, which is roughly twice the size of most of the cobblestones that feature in the section, also has a circular hole in it, though we don&#8217;t know the reason for this.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In a couple of other places, holes seem to have been filled, but not with replacement stones. One we spotted had been filled with some sort of sandy gravel, another with jagged coal spoil.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b52d6905-994d-4536-ac1d-2df827d33bf6\">\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\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-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\">This hole appeared to be filled with coal waste, which is readily found in the forest around Arenberg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47bda006-d428-4968-a468-68228b85de4e\">In general, however, the Arenberg sector appeared to be in good health; the disturbed sections were few and far between.<\/p>\n<p>Paris-Roubaix has been crossing the Arenberg trench since 1968, and a healthy amount of work goes into maintaining these legendary sectors each spring.<\/p>\n<p>The Les Amis de Paris Roubaix (Friends of Paris-Roubaix) group help to maintain all the cobbled sectors throughout the year, carrying out repairs and fighting for the preservation of these ancient tracks. Herds of goats are even brought into Arenberg in the weeks leading up to the race, with the animals eating the grass that grows between the stones.<\/p>\n<p>Race organisers ASO are ultimately responsible for the state of the cobbled sectors come race day, and are set to be on high alert on Sunday morning for any more last-minute repairs that need to be made.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-842e987f-a7cd-4f33-82c4-5694b81dba1b\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics 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><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L 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\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE.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\">Tom Wieckowski<\/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\">Tech writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn\u2019t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it\u2019s made of.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport&#8217;s biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Alberto Contador. He&#8217;s also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.\u00a0<\/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\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks 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\/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\/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\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-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\">&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-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\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks 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>\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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks 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\/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>\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\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K.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\">Replacement stones and holes filled with gravel and coal spoil \u2013 The state of the Arenberg Forest amid cobblestone thievery ahead of 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\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The Rapha Archive Sale ends this weekend, and it&#8217;s your last chance to save up to 50% on some of our favourite Rapha apparel \u2013 Gear up for summer now at a fraction of the cost<\/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\">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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/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>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Replacement stones and holes filled with gravel and coal spoil \u2013 The state of the Arenberg Forest amid cobblestone thievery ahead of Paris-Roubaix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTom Wieckowski <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T23:09:24Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Repair work has been carried out after reports of Roubax souvenir hunters removing cobblestones <\/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\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/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-4472e3eb-1220-4acb-8373-1f553fef297c\">The Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg is one of the most famous stretches of road in all of professional cycling. It&#8217;s also one of the oldest; the cobblestones that make up the two-kilometre stretch of road were laid over a century ago, and due to Arenberg&#8217;s popularity, the stones themselves have been known to be liberated by souvenir hunters from time to time.<\/p>\n<p>That appeared to be the case this year, when cobblestones went missing on more than one cobblestone sector, potentially creating a major safety risk, as reported on by <em>De Telegraaf<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4472e3eb-1220-4acb-8373-1f553fef297c-2\">\u201cThieves, we are dealing with them more and more. On this section [Arenberg], &#8216;Het Bos van Wallers&#8217;, and also the &#8216;Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre&#8217; sector, we have a lot of extra work,&#8221; said Paris-Roubaix race director Thierry Gouvenou.<\/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\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-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 Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg? Paris-Roubaix cobbles at their most iconic in Arenberg Forest<\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/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\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-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\">Conquering the cobbles \u2013 A brief history of Paris-Roubaix bike evolution<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Those are mythical sections, and people steal cobblestones there to take as souvenirs. They just don&#8217;t realise that by doing so, they cause large and deep holes in the path.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It is incomprehensible that they don&#8217;t think about the consequences that could have for the race. That is bound to cause crashes in the women&#8217;s and men&#8217;s races on Sunday. What those people are doing can be life-threatening.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-we-saw-in-arenberg-on-thursday-3\">What we saw in Arenberg on Thursday<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1b3e684b-2fee-40e3-9daf-33cabc90b467\">\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\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-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 handful of holes at the Arenberg trench appear to have been repaired <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4ba97a7-f17b-4320-95cf-f54701373ade\">In a handful of places, the five-star forest of the Arenberg section appears to have been repaired, and in one place near the beginning of the sector, a replacement stone has been installed, with &#8216;April&#8217; and &#8216;10.4.26&#8217; written on the face in black marker pen, perhaps referencing the repair date.<\/p>\n<p>The replacement stone, which is roughly twice the size of most of the cobblestones that feature in the section, also has a circular hole in it, though we don&#8217;t know the reason for this.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In a couple of other places, holes seem to have been filled, but not with replacement stones. One we spotted had been filled with some sort of sandy gravel, another with jagged coal spoil.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b52d6905-994d-4536-ac1d-2df827d33bf6\">\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\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-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\">This hole appeared to be filled with coal waste, which is readily found in the forest around Arenberg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47bda006-d428-4968-a468-68228b85de4e\">In general, however, the Arenberg sector appeared to be in good health; the disturbed sections were few and far between.<\/p>\n<p>Paris-Roubaix has been crossing the Arenberg trench since 1968, and a healthy amount of work goes into maintaining these legendary sectors each spring.<\/p>\n<p>The Les Amis de Paris Roubaix (Friends of Paris-Roubaix) group help to maintain all the cobbled sectors throughout the year, carrying out repairs and fighting for the preservation of these ancient tracks. Herds of goats are even brought into Arenberg in the weeks leading up to the race, with the animals eating the grass that grows between the stones.<\/p>\n<p>Race organisers ASO are ultimately responsible for the state of the cobbled sectors come race day, and are set to be on high alert on Sunday morning for any more last-minute repairs that need to be made.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-842e987f-a7cd-4f33-82c4-5694b81dba1b\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics 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><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L 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\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bSWChr43p3UDAcHy2LdQNE.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\">Tom Wieckowski<\/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\">Tech writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Tom joined the Cyclingnews team in late 2022 as a tech writer. Despite having a degree in English Literature he has spent his entire working life in the cycling industry in one form or another. He has over 10 years of experience as a qualified mechanic, with the last five years before joining Cyclingnews being spent running an independent workshop. This means he is just as happy tinkering away in the garage as he is out on the road bike, and he isn\u2019t afraid to pull a bike apart or get hands-on with it when testing to really see what it\u2019s made of.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>He has ridden and raced bikes from an early age up to a national level on the road and track, and has ridden and competed in most disciplines. He has a keen eye for pro-team tech and enjoys spotting new or interesting components in the wild. During his time at Cyclingnews, Tom has already interviewed some of the sport&#8217;s biggest names including Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar and Alberto Contador. He&#8217;s also covered various launches from brands such as Pinarello, Ridley, Specialized and more, tackled the Roubaix Challenge sportive aboard his own rim-brake Cannondale SuperSix Evo, tested over 20 aero helmets in the wind tunnel, and has created helpful in-depth buying advice relating to countless categories from torque wrenches to winter clothing.\u00a0<\/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\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks 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\/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\/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\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5jDvDMmtkXYDLHBEeX8QH-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\">&#8216;A very uncomfortable ride&#8217; &#8211; Belgian rider&#8217;s saddle snaps off during &#8216;mini Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-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\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks 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>\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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks 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\/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>\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 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data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K.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\">Replacement stones and holes filled with gravel and coal spoil \u2013 The state of the Arenberg Forest amid cobblestone thievery ahead of 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\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">The Rapha Archive Sale ends this weekend, and it&#8217;s your last chance to save up to 50% on some of our favourite Rapha apparel \u2013 Gear up for summer now at a fraction of the cost<\/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\">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\">4<\/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\">5<\/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<\/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>\nParis-Roubaix\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>Replacement stones and holes filled with gravel and coal spoil \u2013 The state of the Arenberg Forest amid cobblestone thievery ahead of Paris-Roubaix<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nTom Wieckowski <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T23:09:24Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Repair work has been carried out after reports of Roubax souvenir hunters removing cobblestones <\/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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It&#8217;s also one of the oldest; the cobblestones that make up the two-kilometre stretch of road were laid over a century ago, and due to Arenberg&#8217;s popularity, the stones themselves have been known to be liberated by souvenir hunters from time to time.<\/p>\n<p>That appeared to be the case this year, when cobblestones went missing on more than one cobblestone sector, potentially creating a major safety risk, as reported on by <em>De Telegraaf<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-4472e3eb-1220-4acb-8373-1f553fef297c-2\">\u201cThieves, we are dealing with them more and more. On this section [Arenberg], &#8216;Het Bos van Wallers&#8217;, and also the &#8216;Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre&#8217; sector, we have a lot of extra work,&#8221; said Paris-Roubaix race director Thierry Gouvenou.<\/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\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bgYGWkjPqcJQXytJSH9tyD-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 Trou\u00e9e d&#8217;Arenberg? Paris-Roubaix cobbles at their most iconic in Arenberg Forest<\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at Paris-Roubaix?<\/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\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AhitWYzxYLQUpDw3GhKfME-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\">Conquering the cobbles \u2013 A brief history of Paris-Roubaix bike evolution<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Those are mythical sections, and people steal cobblestones there to take as souvenirs. They just don&#8217;t realise that by doing so, they cause large and deep holes in the path.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;It is incomprehensible that they don&#8217;t think about the consequences that could have for the race. That is bound to cause crashes in the women&#8217;s and men&#8217;s races on Sunday. What those people are doing can be life-threatening.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"what-we-saw-in-arenberg-on-thursday-3\">What we saw in Arenberg on Thursday<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-1b3e684b-2fee-40e3-9daf-33cabc90b467\">\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\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ppmmoHbXPooX4bbPgAD4Qi-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 handful of holes at the Arenberg trench appear to have been repaired <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f4ba97a7-f17b-4320-95cf-f54701373ade\">In a handful of places, the five-star forest of the Arenberg section appears to have been repaired, and in one place near the beginning of the sector, a replacement stone has been installed, with &#8216;April&#8217; and &#8216;10.4.26&#8217; written on the face in black marker pen, perhaps referencing the repair date.<\/p>\n<p>The replacement stone, which is roughly twice the size of most of the cobblestones that feature in the section, also has a circular hole in it, though we don&#8217;t know the reason for this.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-TTHAj9ijDTH4ZPZDTJBc5L slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>In a couple of other places, holes seem to have been filled, but not with replacement stones. One we spotted had been filled with some sort of sandy gravel, another with jagged coal spoil.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-b52d6905-994d-4536-ac1d-2df827d33bf6\">\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\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/osCr4dhBN3AHWCd9suvhwc-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\">This hole appeared to be filled with coal waste, which is readily found in the forest around Arenberg <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-47bda006-d428-4968-a468-68228b85de4e\">In general, however, the Arenberg sector appeared to be in good health; the disturbed sections were few and far between.<\/p>\n<p>Paris-Roubaix has been crossing the Arenberg trench since 1968, and a healthy amount of work goes into maintaining these legendary sectors each spring.<\/p>\n<p>The Les Amis de Paris Roubaix (Friends of Paris-Roubaix) group help to maintain all the cobbled sectors throughout the year, carrying out repairs and fighting for the preservation of these ancient tracks. Herds of goats are even brought into Arenberg in the weeks leading up to the race, with the animals eating the grass that grows between the stones.<\/p>\n<p>Race organisers ASO are ultimately responsible for the state of the cobbled sectors come race day, and are set to be on high alert on Sunday morning for any more last-minute repairs that need to be made.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-842e987f-a7cd-4f33-82c4-5694b81dba1b\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled 2026 Spring Classics 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><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/racing\/replacement-stones-and-holes-filled-with-gravel-and-coal-spoil-the-state-of-the-arenberg-forest-amid-cobblestone-thievery-ahead-of-paris-roubaix\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9Jfxcus9iKTz66YZc4SA6K-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Paris-Roubaix Replacement stones and holes filled with gravel and coal spoil \u2013 The state of the Arenberg Forest amid cobblestone thievery ahead of Paris-Roubaix News By Tom Wieckowski published 10 April 2026 Repair work has been carried out after reports of Roubax souvenir hunters removing cobblestones When you purchase [&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-1876667","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\/1876667","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=1876667"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876667\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876667"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876667"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876667"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}