Paris-Roubaix 2024: route, mythical passages and favourites for this event

Published on April 5, 2024

The Paris-Roubaix 2024 event, which will take place on the weekend of April 6 and 7, is one of the most iconic cycling races of the season. Also known as the "Hell of the North," this event is famous for its challenging cobblestone paths that put professional riders to the test. Here's an overview of the route, its legendary passages, and the top contenders for this highly anticipated edition.

Paris-Roubaix 2024 Race Course

The Paris-Roubaix 2024 route traditionally starts in Compiègne, north of Paris, and finishes at the Roubaix velodrome, after covering 260 kilometres dotted with iconic cobblestone sections.

The start of this edition will be exactly at 11:10 a.m. On the agenda, a distance of 260 kilometres - the longest in 30 years - including 56 kilometres of cobblestone sections.

A Very Technical Paris-Roubaix this Year

This year's Paris-Roubaix has the highest number of cobblestone sections since 1994, with a total of 29 passages, 17 of which will also be used by the women. The real challenge will therefore begin with the first part: Troisvilles to Inchy.

However, the first 100 kilometres will offer paved roads, providing a conducive opportunity for a breakaway to form. From there, riders will have to contend with cobblestones throughout the last 160 kilometres, totaling 55.7 kilometres of technical stretches.

Legendary Passages of the Hell of the North

Among these, three are particularly famous and are rated five stars in terms of difficulty.

The Arenberg Trench

With its 2.4 kilometres of length and brutal cobblestones, it is now nicknamed the "trench" because of its disjointed, domed, and often slippery cobblestones. It is an iconic passage of Paris-Roubaix and, above all, a crucial moment despite being only 95 kilometres from the finish.

Mons-en-Pévèle

Its position within the last 50 kilometres of the race, combined with a narrow entrance, climbs, and chicanes, often causes a decisive split in the reduced peloton.

The Carrefour de l'Arbre

This is the highlight of Paris-Roubaix and the most brutal cobblestone sector at the exit of Camphin-en-Pévèle. It either ends the last hopes or crowns the future winner of the "Hell of the North," after 260 kilometres of racing. This will be traversed less than twenty kilometres from the finish at the Roubaix velodrome, scheduled just after 5 p.m. A real test for professional riders who may encounter some difficulties.

The 2024 Women's Paris-Roubaix

The 4th edition of the Women's Paris-Roubaix will take place on Saturday, April 6, the day before the men's edition. Just like last year, the race will start in Denain. The peloton will first complete two loops in the town before heading south and then returning to the starting point for a final loop, followed by tackling the 17 final cobblestone sections of the men's race on Sunday.

Women will face 29.2 kilometres of cobblestones out of the 148.5-kilometre race. The previous year, Alison Jackson won this classic on the WorldTour calendar.

👉 Top 10 Cyclists to Watch in 2024

Paris-Roubaix Race Contenders

Paris-Roubaix is a legendary race that always generates great anticipation and excitement among cycling fans. Riders are ready to face the cobblestones and give it their all to win this prestigious classic.

This Sunday, all eyes will be on the 121st edition of Paris-Roubaix. While Mathieu Van Der Poel is the top favourite, other cyclists could surprise the Dutchman. Let's take a look at the top 5 favourites for Paris-Roubaix 2024.

5. Michael Matthews, an Unsurmountable Goal?

At 33, the Australian clearly aspires to win a historic race. Despite finishing second in Milan-San Remo behind Jasper Philipsen, the Jayco AlUla rider was disqualified at the Tour of Flanders this Sunday for a gap during the final sprint. Nevertheless, Matthews has shown he is in good form, and with less elevation gain than in Belgium, he will be one to watch.

4. Matteo Jorgenson, the Unexpected Revelation

American Matteo Jorgenson, aged 24, is also impressive. Winner of Paris-Nice early in the season, the American also shone at the semi-classic "À Travers la Flandre" last week. The Visma Lease a Bike rider will be the interim leader in the absence of Wout van Aert and will face uncertainty surrounding Christophe Laporte. However, Jorgenson showed some limits at the Tour of Flanders this Sunday, losing ground in the latter part of the race after trying to follow Mathieu Van Der Poel on the Koppenberg.

3. A Very Fit Mads Pedersen

Among the other favourites are well-known names such as 28-year-old Mads Pedersen, who finished fourth in Milan-Sanremo, won Wevelgem, and finished on the podium last year in Roubaix. The Dane, however, must fully recover from his fall at "À Travers la Flandre" ten days ago. The Lidl Trek rider will clearly be one to watch in this Paris-Roubaix. A monument he dreams of adding to his palmarès.

2. Jasper Philipsen, the Main Rival

And what if Mathieu Van Der Poel's biggest opponent this Sunday were his teammate, Jasper Philipsen? At 26, he is a serious contender after finishing second last year in Roubaix and winning Milan-San Remo this year. Currently, the Belgian is considered the world's best sprinter and is fully confident of a potential victory. He is thus very likely to position himself as the race leader and win this Monument.

1. Mathieu Van Der Poel, the Man to Beat

Will Mathieu Van Der Poel achieve a historic double? After his victory in 2023, the Dutchman aims for a Tour of Flanders - Paris-Roubaix double. He is the man to beat for Sunday's race. A pressure that the Dutchman embraces.

As at the Tour of Flanders last week, 29-year-old Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel is widely considered the undisputed favourite for Paris-Roubaix 2024. In addition to being the defending champion, the world road champion is in dazzling form, as evidenced by his results in his four races this year: a 10th place in Milan-San Remo, a victory at the GP E3 Saxo Classic, a 2nd place in Ghent-Wevelgem, and a victory at the Ronde van Vlaanderen.

Of course, besides these five names, other riders could play spoilsport. INEOS team, led by Joshua Tarling and Filippo Ganna, will be worth watching, as will the young Spaniard from Movistar, Oier Lazkano. The UAE team will also be one to watch, with experienced Nils Politt and young Antonio Morgado leading the charge. Christophe Laporte, aged 31, will make his comeback to competition after retiring in Milan-San Remo, with notable results in his first three races this year.

Our Paris-Roubaix 2024 Hypothesis

In the Tour of Flanders, it is often the strongest who prevails. But in Paris-Roubaix, this rule is not always confirmed. Between possible punctures, crashes, and unpredictable scenarios, Mathieu Van Der Poel will have to be vigilant. The Dutchman remains in good form in the classics this season, but he has already been defeated, notably in Ghent-Wevelgem. Between the top 2 favourites, the match is tight, and everything could be decided in the final sprint.

The greatness of the Paris-Roubaix race lies in its unpredictability and epic nature. The cobblestones have witnessed memorable victories and heartbreaking defeats, while spectators gather along the roads to cheer on the riders in their journey. Each edition is a unique adventure, where suffering, strategy, and courage combine to create moments of pure emotion. Paris-Roubaix is more than just a race: it's a battle against the elements and a celebration of both men's and women's cycling.

Don't wait any longer to experience the same sensations as professional riders. The Tour Stage 2024 is waiting for you!