Paris-Roubaix cobbled sectors given new colour coding to show difficulty
Toughest sectors will be labelled black, while easiest sectors will be green
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Each of the 29 cobbled sectors in the 2017 edition of Paris-Roubaix has been given a new colour coding to better show their difficulty.
The new colour coding will work alongside the current systems of starts, with the three most difficult five-star sectors (Trouée d'Arenberg, Mons-en-Pévèle, and Carrefour de l'Arbre) also being labelled as black sectors.
>>> 10 ways the pros modify their bikes for the cobbles
Four, three, two, and one star sectors will be labelled as red, yellow, blue, and green respectively, with the colours applied to signage surrounding the sectors on the course, making it easier for the riders and spectators to distinguish the different sectors.
Watch: Paris-Roubaix 2017 essential guide
The route of the race changes slightly each year depending on the state of various cobbled sectors, with the 2017 edition being 257km in length, 55km of which will be on pavé.
>>> Icons of cycling: La Trouée d'Arenberg, Paris-Roubaix's toughest cobbles
The first cobbled sector will be at Troisvilles to Inchy with 160km to go, and the final sector in Roubaix itself with just one kilometre remaining.
However the crucial action will start with the first five-star (or black) sector at the Trouée d'Arenberg with 96km remaining.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
-
20 year-old sprints to clean sweep at British Track Champs
Emma Finucane wins two titles on the closing day of the championships
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Marius Mayrhofer pulls off surprise win at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
DSM rider breaks down with emotion after he crosses the finish line
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
In celebration of Peter Sagan, cycling's rock and roll frontman
As the three-time world champion is set to call time on his career in the WorldTour at the end of 2023, we thought we would take a look back at the glory days
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
No win for Jonas Vingegaard? Cycling Weekly's bold predictions for the 2023 season
With under a fortnight until the WorldTour kicks off this year, it is time to take a look into our crystal ball
By Adam Becket • Published
-
From the World Championships to Paris-Roubaix: Cycling Weekly's wins of 2022
It is hard to look past Annemiek van Vleuten, but we tried, so here is the best win of the year, plus nine more
By Adam Becket • Published
-
'I just come out at every race swinging': Simon Clarke achieves childhood dream with Tour de France stage win after winter of contract fears
Australian was without a team coming into the season
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘Those climber guys can ride over the cobbles these days’ - Fabian Cancellara predicts a fast paced opening week at the Tour de France
Cancellara has won the opening stage of the Tour de France five times and knows the importance of a strong opening week
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Creating an icon - Behind the scenes at Paris-Roubaix Femmes
Only in its second year, the Paris-Roubaix Femmes is not just a gruelling day for the riders, but a logistical and organisational challenge for those behind the scenes - Amy Sedghi speaks to the people helping to create an icon
By Amy Sedghi • Published
-
From the cobbles to the race track: Tom Boonen is living his best life
Classic legend Tom Boonen on race car driving, Mathieu van der Poel and modern cycling
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Yves Lampaert said he used a judo move to avoid serious injury at Paris-Roubaix
Quick-Step Alpha Vinyl rider crashed after striking a fan last Sunday
By Adam Becket • Published