As if Paris-Roubaix wasn’t hard enough, race organisers have added an uphill cobbled sector to the 2016 race on April 10.

The sector at Hameau du Buat returns after a three-year absence and will challenge riders 127km into the 257.5km race in northern France.

Organisers ASO also revealed that several sections, including the daunting Mons-en-Pévèle, have been renovated ahead of the 2016 edition, thanks to an initiative in the area.

Sean Kelly talks us through riding on cobbles

It also said that work around the town of Hem, which comes near the conclusion of the race, to cobble a pedestrian and cycle path could provide the possibility of extending the race in future years.

This change could see riders tackling a three kilometre cobbled sector as the last major obstacle on the already epic race.

Reigning champion John Degenkolb is likely to miss the 2016 race after suffering a broken arm and finger injury in a head-on collision with a car on a training ride in Spain.

In his possible absence, Tom Boonen will look to become the most decorated rider in the race’s history, with the chance to win his fifth title on the Roubaix velodrome.