The riders clip into their pedals in Compiègne and pedal nearly 100 kilometres through the fields of northern France. Then the cobbled feast begins with the first of thirty sectors: Troisvilles à Inchy, stretching 2,200 metres and rated three stars.
As always, the organisers have made slight adjustments to the early cobbled sectors. This year sees the return of Saint-Python and Famars, as well as Vercain-Maugré to Quérénaing, while the Quérénaing to Artres sector is tackled in the opposite direction from last year (and is slightly shorter). But the biggest change comes in the run-up to the Trouée d’Arenberg. Last year, a forced and far-fetched chicane was introduced to slow the riders down before the risky sector, but this time, the solution makes more sense (see the slideshow below).
This does not change the fact that tension rises in the approach, as the Trouée d’Arenberg is the real start of the action in Paris-Roubaix. The sector is 2,284 metres long and darkened by the overhanging trees on either side. The road heads straight through the forest, and since it descends slightly in the first half, speeds are high. Aspiring winners must be at the front; otherwise, they risk getting caught behind or involved in crashes. So, positioning is key when entering the forest.
As the riders exit the Trouée d’Arenberg, there are still 95 kilometres to go. Over that distance, they must tackle eighteen cobbled sectors — on average, one every 6 kilometres.
Paris-Roubaix really really is on fire when the race hits the pavé to Wandignies-Hamage, and the route continues towards Mons-en-Pévèle. The combination of its 2,985-metre length and the sorry state of the cobbles make for brutal hardship in the peloton.
After Mons-en-Pévèle, eleven sectors remain. Over the next 30 kilometres, the riders battle their way across Mérignies à Avelin (700 metres), Pont-Thibault à Ennevelin (1,400 metres), Templeuve – L’Epinette (200 metres), Templeuve-Moulin-de-Vertain (500 metres), Cysoing à Bourghelles (1,300 metres), Bourghelles à Wannehain (1,100 metres), and Camphin-en-Pévèle (1,800 metres).
The iconic Carrefour de l’Arbre appears with 16.5 kilometres left. At 2,086 metres, this stretch of pavé is feared for its sloped corners. After 1,200 metres, a tricky left-hand bend leads to a slight ascent. Specialists who want to strike on their beloved pavé should do so on the Carrefour de l’Arbre, as this is their last opportunity — the final three sectors are too easy.
Gruson and Willems à Hem lead the way to the last cobbled section, in Roubaix itself, which is only there for show. The cobbles are neatly organised to minimise discomfort. Riders then continue into the old Velodrome with one and a half laps to go.
The last three editions were won by Dutchmen. Dylan van Baarle took the spoils in 2022, before Mathieu van der Poel doubled up in the following two years. One more victory, and he equals Octave Lapize and Francesco Moser, the only riders to win the Hell of the North three years in a row. Lapize did so in 1909, 1910, and 1911; Moser in 1978, 1979, and 1980.
Fancy riding the route yourself? Download GPX Paris-Roubaix 2025.
Paris – Roubaix 2025: route, profile, more
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