The 123rd edition of the “Hell of the North” is upon us, and 2026 marks a turning point in the technical evolution of the cobblestone classic. With the men’s and women’s races now sharing the same day (Sunday, April 12), the pressure on mechanics is higher than ever.
The 2026 route features a brutal 54.8 km of pavé. While iconic sectors like the Trouée d’Arenberg remain, race director Thierry Gouvenou has increased the density of cobbles early in the race near Briastre, forcing teams to rethink their tire and pressure strategies for a more explosive opening.
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