Paris-Roubaix Challenge registration is now open for France’s 170km Hell of the North cyclosportive taking place Saturday 12 April 2025, including 30 bone jarring pave sectors sure to rattle you.

Early bird entry pricing is only EUR 84, a small price to pay to ride one the world’s most famous Spring Classics. Shorter and less costly versions of 145 and 70 kilometers are also available.

Long considered one of the most challenging amateur cycling events in France, thousands of riders will roll over the same roads and ancient pave as the pros, slipping, sliding and, yes, probably crashing all the same too.

But riding over 30 pave sectors is probably the most thrilling and scariest thing can do on a road bike. There is no way to be in control as you are flung around and bounce from stone to stone, praying every second that you do not crash, taco a wheel or break one of two skinny fork blades keeping you upright. Just remember, holding on to handlebars with a death grip offers no reassurance, just blisters.

If you make it to the finish inside Roubaix’s velodrome, you can celebrate with a beer (or three) while watching the pro women finish.

Maybe 2025 is the year to cross it off your bucket list?

Good luck!

Photo Credit: A.S.O.

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