There is a growing debate as to why Trouée d'Arenberg has not been introduced to Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, but Grace Brown says that the pavé sector is more important than one, even if it is as symbolic as Arenberg, as a whole As a whole, she says, they are more important to the route.

Organizer ASO notes that it is still "too risky" to include the Arenberg forest in the women's route because of its proximity to the start of the Denain. However, with careful rerouting and the addition of a pavé sector early in the race, the women could cross the 5-star sector in the future.

"I agree that the race should not start in Allenberg, although the cobblestone sectors are the same all three times.

"If the race is longer and there are a few more cobblestone sectors before that, it is possible that a small group could arrive [in Allenberg].

"At the same time, it's not one cobbled sector that makes Paris-Roubaix, but all the cobbled sectors together.

The Paris-Roubaix Femme route will again start in Denain, but the total distance will increase from 124.7 km to 145.4 km, extending the starting point beyond the first pave sector, Hornen-Wandigny.

The route will not include the Trouet d'Arenberg, but will feature 29.2 km of pavé in 17 cobbled sectors, including Mont-en-Pevere and Carrefour de l'Arbre.

FDJ-Suez previewed the pavé earlier this week wearing a special edition orange jersey used for training to raise awareness of cyclists' safety. She said that while it was somewhat dry on Wednesday, the rain on Thursday and Friday led her to believe that the cobblestones could be slippery and muddy for Saturday's competition.

"It's hard to know what the cobblestones will be like. Perhaps a little dry, maybe a little muddy," Brown said.

"I didn't compete in the first convention, so last year it was dusty cobblestones and no mud. But I did run in a little mud at Recon and it was slippery, but it was something I had to deal with when I got there."

FDJ-SUEZ will also field Clara Copponi, Eugénie Duval, Maelle Grossetetet, Marie Le Nette, and Jade Veale, but will be without Vittoria Guazzini, who broke her pelvis in a crash during Wednesday's route prep.

"It is unfortunate that Vittoria will be absent. Her crash was an unfortunate accident. In my mind, it doesn't make this track any more dangerous than I already knew it to be or change my perception of the race," Brawn said.

"Without Vittoria, I will be the team leader, which puts a little pressure on my shoulders, but I cannot expect too much from Roubaix.

The team will also be without Marta Cavalli, who finished ninth in 2021 and fifth in 2022, as she will focus on the Ardennes Classic.

"Marta is concentrating on the Ardennes this year after last year's success and has decided with the team that she should not compete in Roubaix this year to focus on other races. We have riders who can do well on every course, but not every race.

Brown said that while it will be hard to beat potential winners such as SD Walks, which has dominated the Classics with nine wins this year, and Trek-Segafredo, which has won Paris-Roubaix twice, his tactics in the northern hellhole are different than in other races.

"You have to ride the way you came and take your chances when you have them, and I know the cobblestones are wearing everyone out. You have to be braver than in other races and do the unexpected. I wouldn't have expected Degnan or Longo Borghini to win like that."

Brown believes that Paris-Roubaix suits her time trial abilities as well as her opportunistic racing style. She said, "As a time triallist, this race suits me because I can take chances and be strategic.