The Tour de France may be returning to the dreaded cobbles of Northern France for the first time since 2010. According to a report in La Voix du Nord, the race organizers may be planning to send the riders into the heartland of Paris-Roubaix.

Passages of cobblestone sectors are not an everyday occurrence in the Tour de France but 2014 may be the year when the world's biggest race returns to the rough surface in Northern France. French newspaper reports that Tour de France organizers ASO may be planning to include one or more sections in next year's race.

It has already been unveiled that the race will kick off in the United Kingdom with Yorkshire hosting the opening stage. When the race returns to France, it may stay in the northern part of the country for three days and include a stage that takes the riders over some of the sectors known from  Paris-Roubaix.

The cobbles were last included in 2010 when Frank Schleck crashed out of the race on the dreaded surface. However, his tumble allowed his brother Andy to escape his main rivals and by using the assistance from teammate Fabian Cancellara, he took precious seconds on Alberto Contador. Thor Hushovd won the sprint from a small group. The cobbles were also included in the race in 2004 when Iban Mayo crashed hard and lost all hopes on the paves in Northern France.

Whether the rumours are true will be revealed on October 23 when the route will be unveiled in Paris.