Paris‑Roubaix adds cobbles
Organizers have restored two cobbled sectors in the Briastre commune for Paris‑Roubaix 2026 and increased cobble density before Arenberg — changes that should make the race even more selective and chaotic. Expect more punctures, echelons, and late splits with that reshaped approach (francebleu.fr) (picardieweb.com).
The 123rd edition is scheduled for April 12, 2026, with the men’s race running 258.3 km that include 30 cobbled sectors and 54.8 km of pavé. (biketips.com (biketips.com)) (biketips.com) Course director Thierry Gouvenou confirmed the inclusion of sector n°26 at Briastre as an unusual 800‑metre upward cobbled section that changes the profile early in the race. (total-velo.com (total-velo.com)) (total-velo.com) Organizers shifted the route east to weave Briastre into the Cambrésis, creating a sequence where the first four pavé sectors sit almost back‑to‑back and begin just after roughly the 100‑km mark. (sportal.eu (sportal.eu)) (sportal.eu) The run‑in to the Trouée d’Arenberg keeps the same approach used in 2025, with the peloton passing two traffic chicanes before entering the forested, five‑star sector. (cyclingnews.com (cyclingnews.com)) (cyclingnews.com) ASO has said full cobble star ratings and final sector inspections will be published closer to race day after on‑site checks, so the official difficulty grades for the restored Briastre sections are still pending. (cyclingnews.com (cyclingnews.com)) (cyclingnews.com) The race weekend also includes the Paris‑Roubaix Challenge amateur rides and ASO has invited 25 teams to the men’s event and 21 teams to the women’s race for the weekend of April 11–12, 2026. (paris-roubaix.fr (paris-roubaix.fr)) (paris-roubaix.fr)
