Arenberg ditched from Paris-Roubaix
The most famous cobbled section of road in cycling, the Arenberg trench, has been removed from...
The most famous cobbled section of road in cycling, the Arenberg trench, has been removed from Paris-Roubaix by the organisers A.S.O. for the 2005 edition, which will take place on April 10. Citing safety reasons, A.S.O. decided to remove the 2,400m section that typically causes a decisive selection, because it had deteriorated so much in recent years. "There is a dangerous 200 metre passage, corresponding to a mining subsidence, that created the "Mare à Goriaux"," A.S.O. said in a statement. "Due to the constant humidity, a greasy film deposits itself on the pavé, transforming this part into a veritable trap for the riders."
The race will be re-routed this year and will still feature 26 cobbled sections totaling 53.2 km of pavé, including a new one at Avesnes-le-Sec (2,700m). The Arenberg sector should be reintroduced in future editions, once the safety concerns are met.
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