The fact that the chicane in front of the Arenberg forest, which was introduced at short notice last year, would not be incorporated into the Paris-Roubaix course in this form again was already clear at the start of the race. Route presentation at the beginning of February fixed. Instead, the riders will have to take a diversion via a former mine site. A video clip on the Paris-Roubaix X account now shows what the new route looks like.
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New routing for greater safety
According to the new route, the riders will turn off Avenue Michel Rondet about one kilometre before the entrance to the Arenberg Forest and ride along Rue de Croy. This diversions will take them through the heart of the former mine site before entering the Pavé sector with a double bend. The new route includes a total of four almost right-angled bends on the last kilometre before the Arenberg forest.
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During the final inspection, race director Thierry Gouvenou explained to media representatives the reason for the redesign of the chicane leading into the Trouée d'Arenberg: "There will be four right-hand bends within 600 metres. The approach should be smoother than the hairpin we had last year. The municipality of Porte du Hainaut has refurbished the road that we couldn't use in 2024."
Significance of the Trouée d'Arenberg
The Arenberg Forest, officially known as the Trouée d'Arenberg, is one of the most iconic and feared sections of Paris-Roubaix. With a length of 2.3 kilometres and the highest difficulty level of five stars, it regularly represents a decisive passage in the race. Although the sector lies around 95 kilometres before the finish, the decisive attacks by the favourites often begin here. The combination of high speed, uneven cobblestones and the narrow forest passage makes this section particularly dangerous.
Paris-Roubaix 2025 will run as usual from Compiègne to Roubaix. The total distance is 259.2 kilometres, of which 55.3 kilometres will be covered on cobblestones. In addition to the Arenberg Forest, other notorious sectors such as Mons-en-Pévèle and the Carrefour de l'Arbre await the riders.
