The ASO has confirmed it will run the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Challenge on April 9.

The sportive will take place on a shortened 135km route from Saint Quentin to Roubaix on the day before the Queens of the Classics.

There will be 30km of infamous pavé to tackle and a velodrome finish to enjoy – but entries will be limited to 4,000,

The Paris-Roubaix Challenge is not to be confused with the bi-annual Paris-Roubaix Sportive, organised by the Vélo Club de Roubaix Cylotourisme.

Last year Swiss Fabian Cancellara stormed to victory over the cobbles to add a second Paris-Roubaix crown to his 2006 victory ahead of Norwegian world champion Thor Hushovd and Spain’s Juan Antonio Flecha.

The Paris-Roubaix Challenge takes the ASO’s range of events to three after it announced there will be two Etapes du Tour in 2011 – a 109km stage from Modane to Alpe d’Huez and a 208km route from Issoire to Saint Flour. 

Full details of the Challenge are yet to be announced although entries are expected to open in December.