Arenberg ditched from Paris-Roubaix

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.