Pavé refers to sections of a road that have cobblestones. It’s characteristic of the northern French bike races Paris–Roubaix and Tour of Flanders.
Riding on cobblestones requires the right equipment—wider tires, a comfortable-frame bike, and shock-absorbing features—to ease the ride. Cobblestone zones vary in length and complexity; riders must maintain their speed, bike handling, and endurance to avoid a flat or mechanical problem. Cobblestone racing suits good handling and strong power best, and crashes and damages occur most often when the roads are wet or muddy.
