Are you ready to shake, rattle and roll over Paris-Roubaix’s famous cobbles after a long, very long, pandemic pause?

Hell yes!

Make that a Hell of the North yes!

Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix organizer ASO confirmed the amateur Paris-Roubaix Challenge will take place on 24 October, the day before professional racers tackle the same Hell of The North route.

“Have you always dreamed of participating in a bicycle race in the same conditions – or nearly so- as the professionals? If so, the Paris-Roubaix Challenge is waiting for you on 24 October.  One day before the pros, join cycling enthusiasts from around the world and face the legendary Hell of the North,” ASO announced.

That gives you plenty of time to toughen-up for one of the harshest one-day amateur races in the world over 172km and 29 cobbled sections (called secteurs).

Think of it as a 6-7 hour beating that make your hands hurt, your shoulders sore and most of all your arse ache.

Keep in mind, the faster you ride over the cobbles, the smoother it feels;  if you are weak and go slow, it makes for a very, very, long day of suffering on the bike.

Slow or fast, it is a great way to end (or start) your 2020 gran fondo season.

Check our Worldwide Gran Fondo Calendar for the most accurate and up-to-date listings of current, cancelled and rescheduled events