Paris Roubaix Challenge

The Paris-Roubaix Challenge offers amateur cyclists a chance to ride the famous cobbled sectors of Paris-Roubaix the day before the professional race, known as the Queen of the Classics. This road-cycling sportive takes place in Roubaix, Hauts-de-France, France, during early April. Participants can select from routes of 70 km, 145 km, or 170 km. The longest route features 30 cobbled sectors, while the 145 km route includes 19 sectors and the 70 km route has 8 sectors, all providing a genuine experience of the "stones". The course concludes at the Roubaix velodrome, mirroring the finish of the professional race. The 170 km route incorporates the Trouée d'Arenberg, a 2.3 km cobbled stretch through a forest, originally proposed to the race by former miner and world champion Jean Stablinski. Amateurs travel from across the globe to participate. However, the roads remain open to traffic, requiring adherence to traffic laws, with potential fines for violations. Participation is also possible via a charity bib for Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque or through tour-operator packages that include accommodation.