Paris-Roubaix Name Change & 2026 Course Updates | VeloNews

The cycling world is witnessing a shift in how its most iconic races are branded, as sponsorship increasingly influences naming conventions. The venerable Paris-Roubaix, often called the “Hell of the North,” is now officially “Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France,” a change reflecting a deepened financial relationship with the regional government of Hauts-de-France.

A New Name for a Classic

The change, revealed in a press release on February 12, 2026, isn’t entirely new. The “Hauts-de-France” branding has been visible at the race for several years. However, sources indicate the relationship has evolved beyond simple sponsorship to include naming rights, mirroring the model of events like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. This follows similar rebrandings of other races, including the Critérium du Dauphiné becoming Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Gent-Wevelgem being renamed “In Flanders Fields” for 2026. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad is now simply Omloop Nieuwsblad.

Did You Know? The race is officially registered as “Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France” with the UCI and other promotional materials.

Course Changes for 2026

Beyond the name change, the 123rd edition of Paris-Roubaix, scheduled for April 12, will feature course modifications designed to increase the pace and challenge. The race will start in Compiègne and finish at the velodrome, covering 258.3km – slightly shorter than the 259.2km of 2025. The route will still include 30 sectors of cobblestones totaling 54.8 kilometers.

Race director Thierry Gouvenou explained that modifications to the opening gravel sectors will revert to a layout tested in 2024, aiming for “an early pre-selection likely to trap outsiders.” Perhaps the most surprising change is the addition of an 800-metre climb within the race route – a novel feature for the traditionally flat, punishing course.

Expert Insight: The increasing influence of regional sponsorships on race names reflects a broader trend in professional cycling, where financial stability is paramount. While purists may lament the loss of traditional branding, these partnerships are often crucial for the continued existence and growth of these events.

A More Demanding Women’s Race

The women’s Paris-Roubaix will also undergo changes for 2026. While 5km shorter than the previous year, the course will incorporate three new cobblestone sectors, increasing the total distance of rough terrain to 33.7 kilometers. A key addition is the four-star Haveluy sector, stretching 2,500 metres. The women’s race will follow the final 17 sectors of the men’s route and will now be held on Sunday, aiming for a prime television slot with an expected finish time around 6:20 pm. This shift is also driven by logistical considerations, reducing the burden of road closures to a single day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the new official name of Paris-Roubaix?

The new official name of the race is Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France.

Will the core elements of the Paris-Roubaix course remain the same?

Yes, the five-star sectors – Trouée d’Arenberg, Mons-en-Pévèle, and Carrefour de l’Arbre – will remain central to the race.

What changes are being made to the women’s Paris-Roubaix course?

The women’s race will be 5km shorter but will include three new sectors of cobblestones, increasing the total distance of rough terrain by 4.5km. It will also be held on Sunday instead of Saturday.

As sponsorship continues to shape the landscape of professional cycling, it remains to be seen how fans will embrace these changes. Will the essence of these historic races endure despite the evolving branding?