Paris-Roubaix: Animal helpers: Goats and sheep to make the Arenberg forest passable

The Arenberg forest is famous and notorious for its cobblestones, which are feared by many professional cyclists. The 2.3-kilometre pavé sector is one of the hallmarks of Paris-Roubaix, which will be held on 9 April 2023.

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However, the cobbled road is closed to public traffic. This allows grass and other plants to thrive without resistance. Every year, the vegetation has to be removed to make the sector passable for the professional peloton. The Amaury Sports Organisation (A.S.O.), which organises the race, is trying it out this year with "eco-lawnmowers".

Paris-Roubaix: Goats and sheep in the Arenberg forest

40 goats and sheep were driven onto the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix to eat grass and other plants. "During the coronavirus period, we realised that the grass in the Arenberg forest grows back very quickly. So we said we had to find a solution. Why shouldn't it be ecological?" says route manager Thierry Gouvenou to Cycling Weekly.

The animals are Poitou goats and Boulonnais sheep, which are part of an eco-pasture project called "Les Biquettes de l'Espoir". "We got in touch with a local charity organisation that helps people in need to find a job and has a large herd of goats and sheep," says Gouvenou. This was found with Espoir Avenir. The charity, which is based around 60 kilometres south of Roubaix, helps people affected by the high unemployment rate in the region to find a job.

Considerations since the beginning of 2022

The animals have been travelling on the Pavé since the beginning of February. However, the eco-variant was not the first choice. Since the beginning of 2022, the A.S.O. has already met with local representatives, the responsible forestry authority and "Les Amis de Paris-Roubaix" - a local association for the maintenance of the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix - to discuss how to proceed. The route crew tried to get to grips with the plants by sweeping, using a brush behind a tractor and flaming. Nothing worked. "The problem with the brush is that it cleans too deeply, and the drivers complained that it was dangerous because their tyres would get caught between the cobblestones," says Gouvenou. So goats and sheep were used.

Until the beginning of April - shortly before Paris-Roubaix - the animals will graze in the Arenberg forest and prepare the cobblestones for the spring classic.