The legendary Arenberg gap, with its rural setting and its tricky cobblestones, could well see a change this year. This would take place just before the entrance to one of the most famous sectors of Paris-Roubaix.
The information was revealed Monday evening by Voix du Nord. According to our information, the organizers are indeed negotiating with the prefecture services to set up a chicane in order to slow down the runners. The decision should be made this Wednesday, while the men's race will take place on Sunday.
Last year, the outgoing champion, Dylan van Baarle, suffered a heavy fall in the gap, which ended his hopes of a double. The organization wishes at all costs to avoid a repeat of such a scenario. Even if she is aware that this chicanery would only be an adjustment. The problem of speed is broader, since runners are getting faster and faster thanks to constantly improving equipment. The latter, who arrive in the gap at 60 km/h, also alerted about the situation.
Cobblestones, dangerous terrain
Added to this is the difficulty of driving on a paved sector. Not all runners necessarily have the codes, especially the less experienced, and take risks. Paris-Roubaix is therefore regularly the scene of falls, on cobblestones that are very complicated to understand and sometimes slippery.
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The winner of the 2023 edition, Mathieu van der Poel, could therefore be forced to brake slightly before the Arenberg gap this year. The Dutchman, author of a thunderous start to the season, is obviously aiming for a double.