Tales from an Arenberg afternoon

CW spends some time in the most iconic of Paris-Roubaix's cobbled sectors.

Cobbles in the Arenberg forest

(Image credit: Richard Abraham)

“To be successful in these races,” began BMC directeur sportif Allan  Peiper when asked about what's needed to prepare for the northern classics, “you've got to love them. The mental motivation won't be there, otherwise.”

On that basis, it's unlikely that the Europcar rider we saw on Friday ride the length of the Arenberg Forest on its cinder track while his team-mates weaved across the cobblestones searching for the best lines, is one of those who has embraced the Hell of the North.

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