Cobbles stolen from Carrefour de l'Arbre after Paris-Roubaix

As if their task was not hard enough maintaining the cobbles under pressure from local councils, inclement weather, and the wear and tear of Paris-Roubaix each year, the French volunteer group Les Amis de Paris-Roubaix have been left frustrated by a lack of respect shown by fans situated on Carrefour de l'Arbe at the weekend.

The 2.1km-long stretch of cobblestones is the final five-star sector in Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift and Paris-Roubaix, and regularly attracts thousands of spectators to the roadside each year. But their presence has left a tarnish on the weekend's racing, with cobblestones stolen and rubbish left littered at the side of the road.

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It is the latest in a line of unsavoury behaviour displayed by a small minority of fans throughout this Spring Classics campaign, with beer and objects also thrown at Alpecin-Deceuninck's Mathieu van der Poel during his Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix victories.

Les Amis de Paris-Roubaix - translated as Friends of Paris-Roubaix - have taken on the mantle of protecting the upkeep of the cobblestones of the race since the 1980s and tweeted photos of the Carrefour de l'Arbre on Tuesday evening.

In the pictures, we can spot a collection of at least 10 cobblestones missing from the road, leaving in its place a sunken hole which has quickly filled up with water. These puddles threaten the very existence of Paris-Roubaix's cobblestone sectors, as during the cold months, the water will seep into the stones, freeze and expand - resulting in the cobbles cracking under the pressure.

Not only were cobblestones taken by opportunistic so-called supporters, but rubbish was left discarded in a ditch at the side of the road, with Coca-Cola bottles and Jupiler beer cans amongst the litter that was left.

Read more: Police identify culprit who threw beer at Mathieu van der Poel during Tour of Flanders

"Ridiculous," Les Amis de Paris-Roubaix wrote in frustration.

Their job continues throughout the year as the cobbles are prepared not only for next year's races, but also for their daily use as farm tracks. Carrefour de l'Arbre, in particular, is a road regularly used by local farmers and is an area of enormous heritage, as the location of the 1214 Battle of Bouvines which united France under the stewardship of Philippe II.

It has historically been one of the rowdiest sectors in Paris-Roubaix, attracting supporters who are as keen for a party as they are to watch the riders thunder past.

The name Carrefour de l'Arbre translates as 'Crossroads of the Tree,' but it increasingly seems as though cycling is the one at a crossroads as a result of recent fan behaviour, and questions will be raised as to how to address this.

For the latest news, interviews and analysis from the world of professional cycling, be sure to check out the Racing tab on the GCN website and visit our essential guide to The Spring Classics to stay up to date with all of the action from cycling's most exciting season.

Paris-Roubaix

• Dates 7 Apr
• Race Length 259 kms
• Start Compiegne
• Finish Roubaix
• Race Category Elite Men