Entries for the inaugural Paris-Roubaix Challenge will open at midnight on Monday December 20.

The 162km event, on April 9, sets off from Saint Quentin and finishes at the famous Roubaix Velodrome, taking in 18 cobbled sections on route – or 31.6km of pavé.

The Challenge is limited to 3,000 riders, with 147km timed on closed roads and 15km on open roads and therefore not timed.

The ride is run by the Amaury Sports Organisation, who organise the Tour de France and the Etape du Tour cyclosportive, which will run two editions in 2011.

Five travel agencies are on hand to provide UK riders with competitive packages:

www.sportstoursinternational.co.uk
www.ronanpensectravel.com
www.frenchcyclingholidays.com
www.lafuga.cc
www.discoverfrance.com