ASO adds another stretch of cobbles to Paris-Roubaix
Riders may not thank them for it but organizers of the often-epic Paris-Roubaix spring classic have decided to add another cobbled section to next year's race.
The famed classic, also known as the “Hell of the North” and characterized by its multiple crashes and mud-splattered finishers, Paris-Roubaix, held on April 15 next year, is one of the cornerstones of single-day racing.
Last year's winner, Fabian Cancellara, deposed Belgian favorite Tom Boonen to lift the fabled cobblestone trophy aloft after seeing some of his rivals snared by a train's level crossing.
Next year, the Swiss CSC rider might have a harder job defending his title.
Amaury Sport Organisation, the promotion firm also responsible for the Tour de France, announced that next year's peloton will have to race through a new, 1400-meter stretch of cobblestones situated between the towns of Orchies and Beuvry-la-Forêt.
Located at the 200km mark, the “Chemin du Moulin” cobbles could prove decisive in further narrowing the peloton in the 260-kilometer race.
In its present state it is made up of an 800-meter stretch that is in need of repair, and another 600-meter segment of road which has currently no tarmac covering.
Local authorities have already hired 12 workers through a local youth employment service to help restore the cobblestones on the section.
Cancellara and Boonen, both among the 112 finishers, from 194 starters, who negotiated the 52.7km of cobblestones on last year's race, will be hoping they do a good job.
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