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Paris-Roubaix Set With 30 Cobbled Sectors as Pogacar Faces Van der Poel

Organizers warn that any rain would turn the prepared pavé from fast to hazardous.

Overview

  • ASO’s final course check this week found the cobbles prepared and largely dry across 30 sectors totaling 54.8 kilometers.
  • The race, which runs Sunday from Compiègne to the Roubaix velodrome, crosses farm roads paved with rough stone that punish bikes and riders.
  • Technical director Thierry Gouvenou highlighted the 2.3-kilometer Forest of Arenberg as a key test and said wet stones would raise crash risk.
  • A widely expected duel puts three-time winner Mathieu van der Poel as the favorite against in-form Tadej Pogacar, who just won the Tour of Flanders and is chasing his first Roubaix.
  • TV coverage in Germany includes ARD and Eurosport, HBO Max streams from the start, and the women’s race runs the same day with streaming for the first time.