I rode the Trouée d'Arenberg two years ago, whilst taking part in the Paris-Roubaix challenge, the amateurs' chance to experience the brutality of Paris-Roubaix. The Arenberg was the first sector of pavé we covered, and it left a lasting impression on me. I could not believe how rough that stretch of road was, and I have been fascinated by it ever since.
The Arenberg, or to give it its official name, the Drève des Boules d'Hérin (the ‘ball avenue’ of nearby town Hérin) was first included in the race in 1968 after being suggested by legendary French cyclist and former miner Jean Stablinski. The Arenberg uses ancient cobblestones and was originally laid in the late 18th century.
