France • Monument
The Hell of the North lives up to its notorious name as riders battle over treacherous, ancient cobblestones that demand both immense power and unwavering luck. It's a grueling pilgrimage across northern France where grit triumphs over grace, culminating in a mud-splattered, emotionally charged sprint on the iconic Roubaix Velodrome.
Total Editions
1
Latest Winner
Mathieu VAN DER POEL
First Edition
2025
Race Type
One-day
Known for its approximately 50 kilometers of brutal, uneven cobblestone (pavé) sectors, many rated by difficulty up to five stars, including legendary sections like the Trouée d'Arenberg and Carrefour de l'Arbre. These ancient, often poorly maintained roads lead to frequent punctures, mechanical failures, and crashes, testing riders' physical endurance and technical skill to their absolute limits, especially when wet and muddy. The race famously concludes with laps inside the historic Roubaix Velodrome.
The first edition was created by two Roubaix textile manufacturers, Théodore Vienne and Maurice Perez, to promote their newly built velodrome.
The race earned its infamous nickname "The Hell of the North" (L'Enfer du Nord) due to the devastated terrain of northern France after World War I.
The race finish largely moved to the iconic Roubaix Velodrome.
The starting point moved to Compiègne, and since this year, winners have received a cobblestone (sett) as part of their prize.