Paris-Roubaix is one of the most eagerly awaited pro races of the year and though most of us just switch on the TV to watch the action unfold, a huge amount of work goes into preparing the course each year.
Most of the cobble sections date back to Napoleon’s rule, though the Forest of Arenberg - also known as the Arenberg Trench - was only introduced to Paris-Roubaix back in 1969. That sector - and many others - are so old they must be maintained each year to ensure they are still rideable.
Back in 1977 'Les Amis de Paris-Roubaix' was formed. It is a society of almost 300 volunteers who preserve the cobblestoned sectors used in the race each year. It carries out minor repair and clearing works to ensure the sectors are preserved, without interfering with their structure or ruining the challenge they pose to the riders.
Advertisement
Related News
Over the last month, the volunteers and workers who get the pavé sectors into tip top shape have drafted in a local herd of goats to clear significant amounts of grass growing on the sector through Arenberg. By the looks of these photos shared by former pro rider Thierry Gouvenou, the goats have done a great job of munching their way through the grass.
Because Paris-Roubaix will never be Wimbledon, goats have been cleaning the Arenberg (Trench) for one month," he said.
