Paris-Roubaix is one of the most important races in cycling. It is probably also the most difficult to win. Not for nothing is it known as the "Hell of the North". In 2026, a very exciting edition is expected, with Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar as big favorites for victory. But for those who are still hungry for more, the
4 Jours de Dunkerque will provide a solution.
The organizers of the 4 Jours de Dunkerque have unveiled the route of the 2026 race, and the most striking aspect is not its length - 5 stages like in 2025 - but a third stage with a markedly northern classic character. On that day, the peloton will face 22 kilometers of cobblestones before finishing in Wallers-Arenberg, in the heart of Paris-Roubaix route.
The event will be held from May 20 to 24, preceded by a one-day race on May 19. The route maintains recognizable elements: the traditional decisive stage with a circuit to Mont Cassel, the closing in Dunkerque and an initial start in Laon, a starting point already used in previous editions.
The big novelty comes on the third day, designed between La Sentinelle and Wallers-Arenberg, a 155-kilometer route that has become the centerpiece of the edition. The riders will face multiple cobbled sections, including several passes through the so-called Bernard Hinault section, the last sector of Paris-Roubaix before entering the mythical Arenberg forest. However, the iconic sector itself will not be part of the route.
Recent precedents
In the 2025 edition, Samuel Watson won the overall classification after five days, beating his compatriot Lewis Askey and Spaniard Carlos Canal.
The Movistar Team rider completed a great season, with that 3rd place in Dunkerque as his best moment together with the runner-up result at the Coppa Agostoni losing only to Adam Yates due to an untimely mechanical problem.
Paris-Roubaix will make a special appearance at the 4 Jours de Dunkerque