Based on the reconnaissance of the route carried out today by race director, Thierry Gouvenou, the organisers have rated the difficulty of the 27 cobblestone sectors of the race, according to their length, the irregularity of the cobblestones, the general condition of the section and their location in the race.

The Queen of Classics. The nickname given to Paris-Roubaix is suggestive: this race is different, legendary. It is played out through race scenarios established ahead of time. Only one thing is sure: to win, overcoming the daunting 52.8 kilometres of cobblestones that punctuate the course, which will test both the riders and their bikes is a must. During the reconnaissance, which was open to the media, those present could identify the cobblestone sectors that will most likely be the highlights of the race where the favourites will be forced to show their hands. The race could be determined there. Nerves could already be on edge in the peloton at the approach of the first sector of the côte de Troisville. Soon after, the peloton will come upon the Quiévy and Saint-Python sectors (numbered 25 and 24), which some riders competed on during stage 4 of the 2015 Tour de France. A few kilometres later will be the only new cobblestone section this year, an uphill sector (number 22) just prior to the Hameau du Buat, a special “ascent” that is back after a three-year absence.

Then at km 162 the strongest riders could make a move, on the legendary cobblestones of the first five-star difficulty, the Trouée d’Arenberg. The pressure will not fall at the exit of the “Trouée”: a gap leading to the final victory could be made anywhere, including between the cobblestone sectors! But television viewers will be particularly attentive to the movements that will be triggered around the Pays de Pévèle (numbers 11, 10 and 6), which have been partially reconditioned this year. This will lead towards the legendary Carrefour de l’Arbre (number 4), the last five-star sector, which will determine the last remaining “studs” able of dreaming of raising their arms at the Roubaix velodrome.

The 27 cobbled sectors of Paris–Roubaix

27. Troisvilles (km 98,5 - 2200 m) +++

26. Viesly (km 105 - 1800 m) +++

25. Quievy (km 107,5 - 3700 m) ++++

24. Saint-Python (km 112,5 - 1500 m) ++

23. Vertain (km 120,5 - 2300 m) +++

22. Capelle-Ruesnes (km 127 – 1700 m) +++

21. Quérénaing - Maing (km 137,5 - 2500 m) +++

20. Monchaux-sur-Ecaillon (km 141 - 1600 m) +++

19. Haveluy (km 154 - 2500 m) ++++

18. Trouée d’Arenberg (km 162 - 2400 m) +++++

17. Wallers - Hélesmes, dit « Pont Gibus » (km 168 - 1600 m) +++

16. Hornaing (km 175 - 3700 m) ++++

15. Warlaing - Brillon (km 182,5 - 2400 m) +++

14. Tilloy - Sars-et-Rosières (km 186 - 2400 m) ++++

13. Beuvry-la-Forêt - Orchies (km 192,5 - 1400m) +++

12. Orchies (km 197,5 - 1700 m) +++

11. Auchy-lez-Orchies - Bersée (km 203,5- 2700 m) ++++

10. Mons-en-Pévèle (km 209 - 3000 m) +++++

9. Mérignies - Avelin (km 215 - 700 m) ++

8. Pont-Thibaut (km 218 - 1400 m) +++

7. Templeuve - Moulin de Vertain (km 224,5 - 500 m) ++

6. Cysoing - Bourghelles (km 231 - 1300 m) +++

Bourghelles - Wannehain (km 233,5 - 1100 m) +++

5. Camphin-en-Pévèle (km 238 - 1800 m) ++++

4. Le Carrefour de l’Arbre (km 240,5 - 2100 m) +++++

3. Gruson (km 243 - 1100 m) ++

2. Hem (km 249,5 - 1400 m) ++

1. Roubaix (km 256,5 - 300 m) +