With Halloween over, retailers' thoughts are turning to Christmas baubles - but many cyclists are looking even further ahead to next spring and cobbles. Entries to the Tour of Flanders opened a couple of weeks ago, and now cyclists eager to pound some pavé can also sign up for a place on the 2017 edition of the Paris-Roubaix Challenge.

Taking place on 8 April 2017, the Paris-Roubaix Challenge takes place the day before the pro peloton sets off on its annual bumpy blast through the 'Hell of the North'. It's the third of the cycling season's five 'Monuments', held just one week after the Tour of Flanders and a fortnight before Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

Pro or amateur - you still have to bump over the same cobbles.
Pro or amateur - you still have to bump over the same cobbles.

Three distances are on offer: the full 172km course, a medium-pain 145km route, or the short 70km option. The long course starts in Busigny, while the two shorter distances start and finish in the legendary Roubaix Velodrome. It's hosted many a famous victory over the years.

Whichever route you choose, Paris-Roubaix offers a fantastic opportunity to sample the best of one-day racing at your own speed in the company of thousands of enthusiasts. Best of all, the next day you can sit back and recover while watching the pro peloton blitz the same route at double speed!

...unless of course you cheat by riding on the verge!
...unless of course you cheat by riding on the verge!

Entry starts at a very reasonable €20 for the short route, rising to €35 for the 145km distance and €50 for the full 172km ride. Each route offers plenty of chance to sample the famous pavé, with the 172km route packing in a formidable 28 cobbled secteurs.

For more details and to sign up, visit www.parisroubaixchallenge.com.

Take the Skoda Classic Challenge

New for 2017, the promoters of the three major cobbled Classics - Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and Liege-Bastogne-Liege - are challenging cyclists to ride all three events in the same year. Prizes are on offer for those who manage the hat-trick, and sponsors Skoda will be laying on showers, dressing rooms, massages and a photo souvenir in the Skoda Comfort Zone at each event. For more details check out www.sport.be/classicchallenge/2017.


Curious what to expect? Why not read Josh Mott's ride report from the 2014 Paris-Roubaix sportive.

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