Carrefour de l'Arbre

Carrefour de l'Arbre is a notorious and iconic cobbled section of the Paris-Roubaix cycling race, specifically sector number 4, located at kilometer 241.2. Known for its difficulty and pivotal role in the race outcome, it attracts cycling enthusiasts eager to experience the challenging terrain. Recently, Carrefour de l'Arbre has been in the news due to a concerning issue: the theft of its cobblestones (pavés). This deliberate removal of the pavés by individuals using tools like picks and hoes has created dangerous gaps and irregularities, transforming the already treacherous sector into a potential death trap for cyclists. The Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO), the race organizer, has denounced the theft, highlighting the serious safety risks it poses to riders in the upcoming Paris-Roubaix. This incident underscores the importance and vulnerability of this historic and challenging landmark within the cycling world.