Thanks to 40 goats, Paris-Roubaix becomes the “Hell of the North”

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Paris-Roubaix has long been one of cycling’s most notorious one-day races, with its long cobbled sections. But grass grows between the stones all year round and the maintenance of the paths is difficult, especially in the Arenberg forest. That is why the organizers are now enlisting the help of animals for the 120th event: about 40 goats and sheep graze on the sidewalk.

“During Covid, we noticed that the grass in Arenberg forest is growing back very quickly – so we said we had to find a solution. Why not in an ecological way?” Thierry Gouvenou (53), competition designer of organizer “Amaury Sport Organisation”, says to “Cycling Week”.

Other methods were unsuccessful

Because no cars drive through the forest of Arenberg, the cobblestones are always overgrown. “We wanted to open the forest of Arenberg to one-way traffic a month before the race, but the city council refused,” said Paris-Roubaix president François Doulcier.

Other methods in the past would not have led to the hoped-for results: “We have already tried sweeping, burning the grass and dragging a huge brush behind a tractor,” says Gouvenou. So now the goats and sheep. The animals have been brought to the track every day since February.

All grass must be eaten by Sunday. Then the men and women race over the cobblestones again. (byl)

Source : Blick