One of cycling’s most iconic races, Paris-Roubaix, is undergoing a subtle but significant shift. While the grueling course through northern France remains unchanged in its essence, the race will officially be known as “Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France” starting in 2026. The change, revealed on , reflects a deepening sponsorship agreement with the regional government of Hauts-de-France.
The name “Hauts-de-France” has been increasingly visible in recent years, appearing on signage and promotional materials surrounding the race. However, this marks a formal inclusion of the region’s name in the official title, mirroring a trend seen in other cycling events like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and the upcoming Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (formerly the Critérium du Dauphiné). Gent-Wevelgem will also be rebranded as “In Flanders Fields” for the 2026 edition, and Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is now simply Omloop Nieuwsblad.
While some purists may lament the change, it’s a pragmatic move driven by financial realities. The Hauts-de-France region has been a long-time supporter of the race, and the expanded sponsorship now includes naming rights. For many fans, the race will undoubtedly remain “Paris-Roubaix,” a moniker steeped in history and synonymous with cycling’s toughest one-day challenge.
Course Tweaks Aim to Accelerate the Racing
Beyond the name change, organizers have announced modifications to the 2026 course designed to increase the pace and intensity of the racing. The 123rd edition, set for , will cover a distance of 258.3km, slightly shorter than the 259.2km of the 2025 race. The route will still feature the infamous 30 sectors of cobblestones totaling 54.8 kilometers, the defining characteristic of the “Hell of the North.”
Race director Thierry Gouvenou explained that adjustments to the opening gravel sectors will revert to a layout tested in 2024. “All the ingredients will therefore be in place for an early pre-selection likely to trap outsiders, and above all to harden the race ahead of the decisive moments to come,” Gouvenou said. A key change involves a sequence of four cobblestone sectors with minimal asphalt in between, intended to create an immediate and brutal selection. Adding to the challenge, sector 26, rarely used in recent years, will include an 800-meter climb – a surprising addition to the traditionally flat terrain.
The five-star sectors – Trouée d’Arenberg (2,300 meters), Mons-en-Pévèle, and Carrefour de l’Arbre – will remain central to the race’s finale, serving as the traditional launchpads for decisive attacks.
Women’s Paris-Roubaix: Shorter Distance, Increased Difficulty
The women’s Paris-Roubaix will also see changes for 2026. While the race distance is reduced by 5km, the difficulty will increase with the addition of three new cobblestone sectors, bringing the total length of pavé to 33.7 kilometers – an increase of 4.5km. The four-star Haveluy sector (2,500 meters) at km 52.4 is a notable addition, potentially becoming a key point of contention.
“We have removed the loops around Denain to take the peloton a little further south and add more cobbles, and Haveluy is one of the sectors that could prove decisive,” Gouvenou stated. The women’s race will follow the final 17 sectors of the men’s route, ensuring a shared experience of the most challenging terrain.
Another adjustment for the women’s race is its scheduling. It will now be held on instead of Saturday, aiming for a prime television slot with an expected finish time around 6:20 pm. Officials cited both broadcast considerations and logistical challenges – specifically, the costs and complexities of closing roads for two consecutive days – as reasons for the change.
The evolution of Paris-Roubaix, both in name and course design, reflects the changing landscape of professional cycling. While tradition remains important, the sport is increasingly reliant on sponsorship and adapting to maximize its appeal to both fans and broadcasters. Whether these changes will enhance the spectacle of the “Hell of the North” remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France will continue to test the limits of even the most seasoned cyclists.
