12 pictures that show just how tough the Paris-Roubaix cobbles are

We don't need to tell you just how hard a race Paris-Roubaix is...so we thought we'd show you instead

Mons-en-Pévèle

The sector is pretty rough, with the safest place to be on the crest of the road...and even then doesn't look particularly pleasant.

These pictures of the Paris-Roubaix cobbles, taken by Strava photographer Berntrand Trichet, show just how rough, irregular and muddy the cobbles are at this time of the year.

Riding them in fine weather is hard enough, but douse them with water and the challenge grows even more, so take a look at some of the toughest of the 27 cobbled sectors in pictures.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.