I don’t think the overall route of Paris-Roubaix ever changes much, but they always add and subtract cobble sections to mix things up and to preserve the remaining pavé that is left in the north of France. This article from VeloNews lists all the cobble sections (a couple of new ones) with their difficulty ratings.

Paris-Roubaix is THE spring classic and this year’s edition is going to very interesting, now that Fabian Cancellara was confirmed human in last week’s Tour of Flanders. There will be a real elite crowd vying for the pavé trophy, including Cancellara of course, Tom Boonen, George Hincapie (my sentimental favorite), Thor Hushovd, and a bunch of others I can’t think of.

For live internet and TV coverage check out Steephill. Eurosport will have coverage, as will France 2 (if you live in France).

Reading material? Try big, glossy Paris-Roubaix: A Journey Through Hell, or the excellent The Spring Classics: Cycling’s Greatest One-day Races for something that covers all the early-season races.

Incidentally, I’ll be riding a portion of the route this Saturday with these guys, AND watching it live along the pavé. Stay tuned for a cobbled wrap-up next week!

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