Paris-Roubaix organiser ASO has announced that the 2.4 km-long cobblestones stretch of the Arenberg forest will be back in the 2006 edition of the race. The dreaded sector, one of the most mythical of its kind, had been excluded from last year's itinerary because it was judged too dangerous. In the meantime, ASO and the local community shared the cost of important works to restore the pavé road.
"But don't be fooled," said race director Jean-Francois Pescheux. "The renovation of the road don't make Arenberg a boulevard. It remains a tricky stretch of cobblestones. But now, Paris-Roubaix will not be a lottery anymore." The next edition of the race on April 9, 2006, will see international peloton race over 27 pavé sectors totalling 52.7 kilometres.
