"I’d rather crash on some holy cobbles than a few feet shy of the promised land" - Chris Horner weighs in on controversial Paris-Roubaix chicane

If you haven't seen it yet, where have you been? On Wednesday it was announced that Paris-Roubaix 2024 will include a chicane before the famous Trouée d'Arenberg cobblestone section, in a decision that has sent the cycling world into a frenzy.

Ever since the news was officially announced and video footage of the new course was shared, familiar names across both the current peloton and riders from years gone by have reacted and given various differing opinions on the matter too, making it such an interesting discussion.

Showing the controversial nature of the decision, arguably two of the big favourites for victory this weekend are on contrasting sides of the argument as Mathieu van der Poel asked "Is this a joke?" Whilst Matteo Jorgenson asked "Is this what fans want to see? Riders completely covered in blood after sliding face-first at 50mph/80kph on sharp rocks in a forest?"

Jorgenson's compatriot, former Vuelta a Espana winner Chris Horner, thinks riders would much rather crash on the infamous and historic cobbles than just before it however. "Personally, I’d rather crash on some holy cobbles than wrapped up in brutal fencing and/or pavement a few feet shy of the promised land," he writes on his official X (Twitter) account. "I think a lot of riders will end their day thinking 'well, I almost made it to the Arenberg…'"

What do you think? To make your opinion known, vote in our poll: Paris-Roubaix chicane; positive safety improvement or 'a joke'?