{"id":1874464,"date":"2026-04-09T10:06:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T07:06:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874464"},"modified":"2026-04-09T10:06:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T07:06:59","slug":"an-open-field-full-of-contenders-from-former-winners-to-worthy-wildcards-analysing-the-favourites-for-paris-roubaix-femmes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1874464","title":{"rendered":"An open field full of contenders, from former winners to worthy wildcards \u2013 Analysing the favourites for Paris-Roubaix Femmes"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-2560-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Roubaix Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>An open field full of contenders, from former winners to worthy wildcards \u2013 Analysing the favourites for Paris-Roubaix Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T10:06:59Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Past winners Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Lotte Kopecky and Alison Jackson head the startlist at the Queen of the Classics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Former winners including Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Lotte Kopecky, and Elisa Longo Borghini lead the contenders list at the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lotte Kopecky<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Balsamo<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lorena Wiebes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Alison Jackson<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Marianne Vos<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elise Chabbey<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Letizia Borghesi<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Cat Ferguson<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Honourable mentions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" 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mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-545d733a-a1e8-4179-91d3-beba5037f143\">The biggest day of Classics racing of the season is upon us as the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons head to northern France to tackle Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/p>\n<p>The men&#8217;s race earlier in the afternoon is headlined by a two-man battle as Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar top the favourites list, though the sixth edition of the women&#8217;s race looks to be a more open affair.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-545d733a-a1e8-4179-91d3-beba5037f143-2\">A total of 21 teams and 126 riders are set to do battle over 20 cobbled sectors, including the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre and the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le, on Sunday afternoon, with the sectors totalling 33.7km of the challenging Paris-Roubaix Femmes route.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Injuries mean that Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar won&#8217;t be taking part, while former winner Elisa Longo Borghini and Tour of Flanders champion Demi Vollering are also missing the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Still, there are plenty of top names in the running. Three of the race&#8217;s five former winners, including Milan-San Remo winner Lotte Kopecky, are set to line up in Denain for the start of the 143km race, while five previous podium finishers are also racing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Anticipation is building ahead of the Queen of the Classics, so read on for our comprehensive rundown of the contenders for the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9590e430-34fa-4c24-847e-86dbe6adc06a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky is perhaps the top favourite to win on Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-379032d3-87de-47ea-b410-0ff8f5b90a02\">Three-time Tour of Flanders winner Lotte Kopecky couldn&#8217;t add to her record haul on Sunday, instead racing to fourth behind Demi Vollering, but she still looks to be the outstanding favourite for victory in Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian star heads up an SD Worx-Protime line-up which also features another top favourite \u2013 more on her later \u2013 and she knows what it takes to win on the cobbles of Northern France.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky won the race in the rainbow stripes of world champion two years ago, triumphing in the V\u00e9lodrome Andr\u00e9-P\u00e9trieux in a sprint of six riders. Her other results include second in 2022, seventh in 2023, and two other top-15 rides.<\/p>\n<p>This season she has two wins to her name, Nokere Koerse and, of course, Milan-San Remo. In form and able to win races alone and in a sprint, Kopecky could well be in line for win number two this weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pauline-ferrand-prevot-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dc14bfac-3c98-40b5-b66e-d1026b8333e6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot didn&#8217;t add Flanders to her haul but she&#8217;s back for more on the flat cobbles of Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-916ca1ef-87a9-479d-925a-3f7ccba88d5a\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot broke a pair of decades-old ducks for France last year, with her wins at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes going down in history. With her mission accomplished on the cobbles, she wasn&#8217;t originally set to return to the race this Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>However, the defending champion will in fact be back despite saying in January that she&#8217;d head to altitude this week between her main goals of the spring \u2013 the Tour of Flanders and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge. Visma will line up with both her and Marianne Vos, with the Frenchwoman coming off a strong ride in Flanders, whilst Vos may need a bit of extra support after missing some races due to the death of her father.<\/p>\n<p>Home fans can dream once again, with Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot once again looking in strong form heading into the race. For the second year in a row, she finished second at Flanders, though last Sunday&#8217;s winner, Demi Vollering, won&#8217;t stand in her way this weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2dde4204-ce2f-4806-8da9-3c71fe30f8b1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Balsamo is one of several riders who have stepped on the Roubaix podium before <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3427c278-4a6b-48af-933e-624db0e0376f\">Following wins at the World Championships, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Trofeo Alfredo Binda (three times), sprinter Elisa Balsamo is one of the most accomplished racers still searching for her first Monument victory. Paris-Roubaix is where she&#8217;s come closest to date, having finished second at the 2024 race.<\/p>\n<p>Two years ago, she lost out to Kopecky in the velodrome sprint, having matched every move at vital points late in the race. Last year, she rounded out another stellar spring \u2013 her Classics campaign featuring two big wins and three, with a ninth place, 1:21 off the win.<\/p>\n<p>Balsamo hasn&#8217;t won yet in 2026, though podiums at the recent Ronde van Brugge and Scheldeprijs suggest she&#8217;s in solid form once more. The experience of the now-retired Lizzie Deignan and Ellen van Dijk will be missed at Lidl-Trek on Sunday, though they will put up a strong team regardless.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf804c99-6e90-4e9d-bbe0-1b39651409ef\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Few riders will be keen on taking Lorena Wiebes to the line in Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f0c007ec-6204-4810-8573-1e6025b7a7f4\">As if having Lotte Kopecky wasn&#8217;t enough, SD Worx-Protime can also rely on the fastest sprinter in the world on Sunday, with Lorena Wiebes providing a more than ample second option for the Dutch squad.<\/p>\n<p>The pair&#8217;s one-two punch is matched in strength perhaps only by Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s equally versatile pairing of Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot and Marianne Vos, who raced to first and fourth last year. That race also marked Wiebes&#8217; best performance yet at Roubaix as she beat Vos in the sprint for third place.<\/p>\n<p>With her Classics campaign almost at an end, Wiebes has five wins and lies third in the UCI world ranking, and yet her spring hasn&#8217;t quite matched up to last year&#8217;s, barring her In Flanders Fields victory. There&#8217;s been nothing to suggest that she can&#8217;t match, or even better, her 2025 Roubaix result this weekend, though.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alison-jackson-st-michel-preference-home-auber93\"><span>Alison Jackson (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2937df84-ab4b-42c9-aab0-a27b16d741fa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alison Jackson, a popular winner in 2023, is one of three former champions at this year&#8217;s race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9c80c636-197c-4ce6-a508-f89f69e228c4\">Alison Jackson completes the lineup of former winners at this year&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix, with the Canadian champion having won the most memorable edition of the race to date with her victory from the breakaway three years ago.<\/p>\n<p>Back then, she dispatched with five other survivors from the early 18-woman break in a thrilling sprint finish in the Roubaix velodrome. Her post-race dance moves in celebration also hit the headlines, and her underdog triumph was immediately etched in the short history of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Fifth place last year is her best result since then, while this Sunday she&#8217;ll line up on a whole new team, trading EF for the lesser-known French squad St Michel during the off-season. At 37, Jackson is entering the final years of her career, but, as we&#8217;ve seen time and again in the men&#8217;s race, experience and know-how count for a lot at Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cdad952e-6932-400e-8f00-1cea5de4f42f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos returns to racing following the death of her father last week <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cfa48ac6-5d3a-4053-8c0f-75169ee3f577\">Marianne Vos returns to racing this weekend following the death of her father last week. The Dutchwoman missed Flanders as a result, but she&#8217;ll form a formidable partnership with Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Vos has a stellar record at this race, even if she hasn&#8217;t won yet. COVID-caused DNS in 2022 aside, her Roubaix palmar\u00e8s reads: second, 10th, fourth, fourth.<\/p>\n<p>For a woman with 258 wins to her name encompassing almost every race in the sport, Paris-Roubaix is one of the few gaps remaining in her palmar\u00e8s. At 38, time is running out to win the race, but she still lines up as an automatic favourite.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-zoe-baeckstedt-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\"><span>Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a5b72d3b-9521-4cbd-8285-86ee3f482dbd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt heads up Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto&#8217;s charge after a strong result at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3dbd1e20-3975-40c1-ac2f-0fd5b456768e\">Daughter of 2004 men&#8217;s race winner Magnus, Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt is firmly among the top contenders for success this Sunday, having enjoyed a very strong week on the cobbles of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>The 21-year-old is one of the form riders in the peloton, having finished fourth at Dwars door Vlaanderen and fifth at the Tour of Flanders, with B\u00e4ckstedt saying she had &#8220;a few goosebumps&#8221; as she raced up the Koppenberg among the leaders on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>This Sunday, she&#8217;ll be tackling far flatter stretches of cobbles and will once again be hoping to race over the famous sectors with the top contenders. In three participations to date, she&#8217;s finished 46th, 16th, and 15th. Hopes will be far higher this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elise-chabbey-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-SUEZ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0e48d63f-5eca-4aef-b844-5b321623cf15\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Following her Strade Bianche triumph, Elise Chabbey once again leads FDJ in the absence of Demi Vollering <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-476ecb54-6f46-497e-a3c7-9a47f49b0223\">FDJ United-Suez leader and Tour of Flanders champion Demi Vollering has never raced Paris-Roubaix, and she won&#8217;t be starting this year, so leadership of the French team is handed over to top lieutenant Elise Chabbey instead.<\/p>\n<p>The Swiss racer, among our tips to break through with a big Classics result this spring, stepped up when Vollering was among several riders who got caught out by a wrong turn at Strade Bianche. She raced on to glory in Siena, scoring the biggest win of her career to date and the second of three major Classics FDJ have won this spring.<\/p>\n<p>Chabbey has form at Roubaix, having finished fourth in 2022 and seventh last year. She&#8217;s in form, too, having followed up her Tuscan triumph with fourth at In Flanders Fields. On Sunday, she helped Vollering to victory in Flanders, and now she&#8217;ll have a chance to go for it herself once more.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-letizia-borghesi-ag-insurance-soudal\"><span>Letizia Borghesi (AG Insurance-Soudal)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d39804a7-fc12-454b-a0fb-5d90b46baf45\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2025 Paris-Roubaix Femmes runner-up Letizia Borghesi is racing for a new team this season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4fcd0c8f-2ef1-4b15-802b-b2c3a451406c\">Letizia Borghesi raced to a podium finish at last year&#8217;s race. The 27-year-old was racing for EF Education-EasyPost then, but the US team will have to look elsewhere this Sunday with Borghesi having switched to AG Insurance-Soudal during the winter.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, Borghesi was in flying form, finishing sixth at the Tour of Flanders before finishing the best of the rest behind Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot with a late solo attack.<\/p>\n<p>She hasn&#8217;t shown that same form on the cobbles in the past six weeks, with a DNF at the Tour of Flanders her lead-in result to Roubaix. 11th at Dwars door Vlaanderen has been her strongest outing, while she finished fifth at the hilly Trofeo Alfredo Binda in March.<\/p>\n<p>Borghesi isn&#8217;t a top favourite for Sunday, but her outing last time out makes her impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-cat-ferguson-movistar\"><span>Cat Ferguson (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-666f3990-355a-434b-8502-5d2c7a7aa8e2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson celebrates her victory at the Trofeo Llucmajor back in January <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7c3bf307-a006-48db-b6e6-4872102cd245\">19-year-old Cat Ferguson races Paris-Roubaix Femmes for the second time this Sunday, her debut last year ending with a crash caused by a spectator stepping onto the course.<\/p>\n<p>Her first taste of the cobbles of Northern France ended unceremoniously, then, but she&#8217;s been in good form so far this spring. There have been two wins, both in Spain, coming at the Trofeo Llucmajor and Setmana Volta Valenciana.<\/p>\n<p>On the cobbles, her highlights have been fourth at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and sixth at Dwars door Vlaanderen, both in a chase group behind the race-winning groups.<\/p>\n<p>Roubaix and Amstel Gold Race in a week look to mark the end of the first part of Ferguson&#8217;s season, so she&#8217;ll hope for better than her most recent result, a &#8220;brutal, brutal&#8221; outing at the Tour of Flanders, where she finished 6:53 behind race winner Vollering.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-15eab0e1-0550-438c-9f10-7b0ee55b6606\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Chiara Consonni is one of several options for Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9a6b709d-7664-4e1e-8107-370e71583c18\">UAE Team ADQ will be without former winner Elisa Longo Borghini, who is still sick, but they can look to Irish sprinter <strong>Lara Gillespie<\/strong> as a possible contender. She&#8217;s enjoying another great spring campaign, with a win at Le Samyn the highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Danish racer <strong>Emma Norsgaard<\/strong> lines up as Elisa Balsamo&#8217;s lieutenant at Lidl-Trek. She should be there or thereabouts, having raced to sixth and 11th in the past.<\/p>\n<p>Her teammate, 20-year-old <strong>Fleur Moors<\/strong> is another name to watch after finishing second at In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>With a third place at Dwars door Vlaanderen and an 11th at the Tour of Flanders under her belt, <strong>Lieke Nooijen<\/strong> is enjoying a breakout spring and could be a secret weapon for Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-47203789-c5b4-4b4d-8e60-df0df32d7dc8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franziska Koch heads to Roubaix following a strong performance in service of Demi Vollering at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2d515b10-d395-49b6-8f4f-31be07073696\">German champion <strong>Franziska Koch<\/strong> figures to be FDJ United-SUEZ&#8217;s plan A2 on Sunday. This year, she&#8217;s raced her best spring to date, including a podium at Strade Bianche, fifth at Omloop, and 10th at the Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pfeiffer Georgi<\/strong> heads up Picnic-PostNL&#8217;s selection on Sunday. She has three top 10s to her name at Roubaix, including a third place in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Sprinter <strong>Chiara Consonni<\/strong> (two top 10s in Roubaix) and time trialist <strong>Chlo\u00e9 Dygert<\/strong> (eighth last year) join Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt as part of a powerful Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto selection.<\/p>\n<p>Fenix-Premier Tech haven&#8217;t confirmed their lineup yet, but Scheldeprijs winner <strong>Charlotte Kool<\/strong>, who has a string of other top 10s to her name this spring, is set to race alongside Marhe Truyen, who finished third in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Barring the retired Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini, all former podium finishers at the race will be starting. 2022 third-place finisher <strong>Lucinda Brand<\/strong> will line up for Lidl-Trek, while 2023 runner-up Katia Ragusa (Human Powered Health) is also racing.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e94268be-1b3f-454f-97c6-383c6ccb8419\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-eogMxQXJ3jyWtS8amXV4rM\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eogMxQXJ3jyWtS8amXV4rM slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Something the initial hospital dismissed&#8217; \u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot to race Paris-Roubaix Femmes alongside Marianne Vos in last-minute programme change<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It would be a dream to race the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; &#8211; Pathways Fund provides novel support for two US riders to join French team and compete at Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Scheldeprijs Women: Charlotte Kool sprints to victory in crash-marred final<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">R\u00e9gion Pays de la Loire Tour-F\u00e9minin: Amalie Dideriksen ends three-year drought on wins with bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu blasts ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen on final uphill section for stage 4 win<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Emily Ehrlich and Eric Brunner win opening time trials at Lake Perris and claim first leaders&#8217; jerseys<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Pays de la Loire Tour: Alexander Kamp sprints to first victory for three years on stage 3, moves into race lead<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Something the initial hospital dismissed&#8217; \u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Roubaix Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>An open field full of contenders, from former winners to worthy wildcards \u2013 Analysing the favourites for Paris-Roubaix Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T10:06:59Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Past winners Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Lotte Kopecky and Alison Jackson head the startlist at the Queen of the Classics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-1920-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Former winners including Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Lotte Kopecky, and Elisa Longo Borghini lead the contenders list at the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo\" class=\"contents\" data-only-inline=\"0\">\n<div class=\"visible flex flex-row flex-nowrap sticky max-lg:-ml-5 top-[60px] sm:top-0 z-[9994] w-screen lg:w-full h-[50px] bg-white p-0 mb-5 border-neutral-200 border border-solid xl:hidden\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Variants:Inline\" data-analytics-id=\"sticky-nav\" id=\"sticky-nav--inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"sticky-nav\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-row w-full h-full overflow-x-scroll overflow-y-hidden tracking-normal overscroll-x-contain\" id=\"sticky-nav__scroll-container\"><span class=\"pl-4 my-auto text-base font-semibold font-article-heading lg:pl-3 lg:text-sm whitespace-nowrap uppercase\">Jump to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-row w-auto border-y-0\">\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\nborder-b-[3px] border-b-[var(--jumpto-underline-color)] border-solid font-semibold \" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lotte Kopecky<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elisa Balsamo<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Lorena Wiebes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Alison Jackson<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Marianne Vos<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Elise Chabbey<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Letizia Borghesi<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Cat Ferguson<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"inline-flex after:content-[''] after:inline-block after:relative after:h-3\/6 after:w-px after:bg-neutral-200 after:top-1\/4\n\" data-component-name=\"Article:JumpTo:Inline:Link\">\n<p>Honourable mentions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" 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class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-545d733a-a1e8-4179-91d3-beba5037f143\">The biggest day of Classics racing of the season is upon us as the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons head to northern France to tackle Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/p>\n<p>The men&#8217;s race earlier in the afternoon is headlined by a two-man battle as Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar top the favourites list, though the sixth edition of the women&#8217;s race looks to be a more open affair.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-545d733a-a1e8-4179-91d3-beba5037f143-2\">A total of 21 teams and 126 riders are set to do battle over 20 cobbled sectors, including the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre and the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le, on Sunday afternoon, with the sectors totalling 33.7km of the challenging Paris-Roubaix Femmes route.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Injuries mean that Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar won&#8217;t be taking part, while former winner Elisa Longo Borghini and Tour of Flanders champion Demi Vollering are also missing the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Still, there are plenty of top names in the running. Three of the race&#8217;s five former winners, including Milan-San Remo winner Lotte Kopecky, are set to line up in Denain for the start of the 143km race, while five previous podium finishers are also racing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Anticipation is building ahead of the Queen of the Classics, so read on for our comprehensive rundown of the contenders for the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9590e430-34fa-4c24-847e-86dbe6adc06a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky is perhaps the top favourite to win on Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-379032d3-87de-47ea-b410-0ff8f5b90a02\">Three-time Tour of Flanders winner Lotte Kopecky couldn&#8217;t add to her record haul on Sunday, instead racing to fourth behind Demi Vollering, but she still looks to be the outstanding favourite for victory in Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian star heads up an SD Worx-Protime line-up which also features another top favourite \u2013 more on her later \u2013 and she knows what it takes to win on the cobbles of Northern France.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky won the race in the rainbow stripes of world champion two years ago, triumphing in the V\u00e9lodrome Andr\u00e9-P\u00e9trieux in a sprint of six riders. Her other results include second in 2022, seventh in 2023, and two other top-15 rides.<\/p>\n<p>This season she has two wins to her name, Nokere Koerse and, of course, Milan-San Remo. In form and able to win races alone and in a sprint, Kopecky could well be in line for win number two this weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pauline-ferrand-prevot-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dc14bfac-3c98-40b5-b66e-d1026b8333e6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot didn&#8217;t add Flanders to her haul but she&#8217;s back for more on the flat cobbles of Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-916ca1ef-87a9-479d-925a-3f7ccba88d5a\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot broke a pair of decades-old ducks for France last year, with her wins at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes going down in history. With her mission accomplished on the cobbles, she wasn&#8217;t originally set to return to the race this Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>However, the defending champion will in fact be back despite saying in January that she&#8217;d head to altitude this week between her main goals of the spring \u2013 the Tour of Flanders and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge. Visma will line up with both her and Marianne Vos, with the Frenchwoman coming off a strong ride in Flanders, whilst Vos may need a bit of extra support after missing some races due to the death of her father.<\/p>\n<p>Home fans can dream once again, with Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot once again looking in strong form heading into the race. For the second year in a row, she finished second at Flanders, though last Sunday&#8217;s winner, Demi Vollering, won&#8217;t stand in her way this weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2dde4204-ce2f-4806-8da9-3c71fe30f8b1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Balsamo is one of several riders who have stepped on the Roubaix podium before <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3427c278-4a6b-48af-933e-624db0e0376f\">Following wins at the World Championships, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Trofeo Alfredo Binda (three times), sprinter Elisa Balsamo is one of the most accomplished racers still searching for her first Monument victory. Paris-Roubaix is where she&#8217;s come closest to date, having finished second at the 2024 race.<\/p>\n<p>Two years ago, she lost out to Kopecky in the velodrome sprint, having matched every move at vital points late in the race. Last year, she rounded out another stellar spring \u2013 her Classics campaign featuring two big wins and three, with a ninth place, 1:21 off the win.<\/p>\n<p>Balsamo hasn&#8217;t won yet in 2026, though podiums at the recent Ronde van Brugge and Scheldeprijs suggest she&#8217;s in solid form once more. The experience of the now-retired Lizzie Deignan and Ellen van Dijk will be missed at Lidl-Trek on Sunday, though they will put up a strong team regardless.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf804c99-6e90-4e9d-bbe0-1b39651409ef\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Few riders will be keen on taking Lorena Wiebes to the line in Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f0c007ec-6204-4810-8573-1e6025b7a7f4\">As if having Lotte Kopecky wasn&#8217;t enough, SD Worx-Protime can also rely on the fastest sprinter in the world on Sunday, with Lorena Wiebes providing a more than ample second option for the Dutch squad.<\/p>\n<p>The pair&#8217;s one-two punch is matched in strength perhaps only by Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s equally versatile pairing of Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot and Marianne Vos, who raced to first and fourth last year. That race also marked Wiebes&#8217; best performance yet at Roubaix as she beat Vos in the sprint for third place.<\/p>\n<p>With her Classics campaign almost at an end, Wiebes has five wins and lies third in the UCI world ranking, and yet her spring hasn&#8217;t quite matched up to last year&#8217;s, barring her In Flanders Fields victory. There&#8217;s been nothing to suggest that she can&#8217;t match, or even better, her 2025 Roubaix result this weekend, though.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alison-jackson-st-michel-preference-home-auber93\"><span>Alison Jackson (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2937df84-ab4b-42c9-aab0-a27b16d741fa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alison Jackson, a popular winner in 2023, is one of three former champions at this year&#8217;s race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9c80c636-197c-4ce6-a508-f89f69e228c4\">Alison Jackson completes the lineup of former winners at this year&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix, with the Canadian champion having won the most memorable edition of the race to date with her victory from the breakaway three years ago.<\/p>\n<p>Back then, she dispatched with five other survivors from the early 18-woman break in a thrilling sprint finish in the Roubaix velodrome. Her post-race dance moves in celebration also hit the headlines, and her underdog triumph was immediately etched in the short history of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Fifth place last year is her best result since then, while this Sunday she&#8217;ll line up on a whole new team, trading EF for the lesser-known French squad St Michel during the off-season. At 37, Jackson is entering the final years of her career, but, as we&#8217;ve seen time and again in the men&#8217;s race, experience and know-how count for a lot at Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cdad952e-6932-400e-8f00-1cea5de4f42f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos returns to racing following the death of her father last week <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cfa48ac6-5d3a-4053-8c0f-75169ee3f577\">Marianne Vos returns to racing this weekend following the death of her father last week. The Dutchwoman missed Flanders as a result, but she&#8217;ll form a formidable partnership with Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Vos has a stellar record at this race, even if she hasn&#8217;t won yet. COVID-caused DNS in 2022 aside, her Roubaix palmar\u00e8s reads: second, 10th, fourth, fourth.<\/p>\n<p>For a woman with 258 wins to her name encompassing almost every race in the sport, Paris-Roubaix is one of the few gaps remaining in her palmar\u00e8s. At 38, time is running out to win the race, but she still lines up as an automatic favourite.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-zoe-baeckstedt-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\"><span>Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a5b72d3b-9521-4cbd-8285-86ee3f482dbd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt heads up Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto&#8217;s charge after a strong result at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3dbd1e20-3975-40c1-ac2f-0fd5b456768e\">Daughter of 2004 men&#8217;s race winner Magnus, Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt is firmly among the top contenders for success this Sunday, having enjoyed a very strong week on the cobbles of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>The 21-year-old is one of the form riders in the peloton, having finished fourth at Dwars door Vlaanderen and fifth at the Tour of Flanders, with B\u00e4ckstedt saying she had &#8220;a few goosebumps&#8221; as she raced up the Koppenberg among the leaders on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>This Sunday, she&#8217;ll be tackling far flatter stretches of cobbles and will once again be hoping to race over the famous sectors with the top contenders. In three participations to date, she&#8217;s finished 46th, 16th, and 15th. Hopes will be far higher this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elise-chabbey-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-SUEZ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0e48d63f-5eca-4aef-b844-5b321623cf15\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Following her Strade Bianche triumph, Elise Chabbey once again leads FDJ in the absence of Demi Vollering <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-476ecb54-6f46-497e-a3c7-9a47f49b0223\">FDJ United-Suez leader and Tour of Flanders champion Demi Vollering has never raced Paris-Roubaix, and she won&#8217;t be starting this year, so leadership of the French team is handed over to top lieutenant Elise Chabbey instead.<\/p>\n<p>The Swiss racer, among our tips to break through with a big Classics result this spring, stepped up when Vollering was among several riders who got caught out by a wrong turn at Strade Bianche. She raced on to glory in Siena, scoring the biggest win of her career to date and the second of three major Classics FDJ have won this spring.<\/p>\n<p>Chabbey has form at Roubaix, having finished fourth in 2022 and seventh last year. She&#8217;s in form, too, having followed up her Tuscan triumph with fourth at In Flanders Fields. On Sunday, she helped Vollering to victory in Flanders, and now she&#8217;ll have a chance to go for it herself once more.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-letizia-borghesi-ag-insurance-soudal\"><span>Letizia Borghesi (AG Insurance-Soudal)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d39804a7-fc12-454b-a0fb-5d90b46baf45\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2025 Paris-Roubaix Femmes runner-up Letizia Borghesi is racing for a new team this season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4fcd0c8f-2ef1-4b15-802b-b2c3a451406c\">Letizia Borghesi raced to a podium finish at last year&#8217;s race. The 27-year-old was racing for EF Education-EasyPost then, but the US team will have to look elsewhere this Sunday with Borghesi having switched to AG Insurance-Soudal during the winter.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, Borghesi was in flying form, finishing sixth at the Tour of Flanders before finishing the best of the rest behind Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot with a late solo attack.<\/p>\n<p>She hasn&#8217;t shown that same form on the cobbles in the past six weeks, with a DNF at the Tour of Flanders her lead-in result to Roubaix. 11th at Dwars door Vlaanderen has been her strongest outing, while she finished fifth at the hilly Trofeo Alfredo Binda in March.<\/p>\n<p>Borghesi isn&#8217;t a top favourite for Sunday, but her outing last time out makes her impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-cat-ferguson-movistar\"><span>Cat Ferguson (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-666f3990-355a-434b-8502-5d2c7a7aa8e2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson celebrates her victory at the Trofeo Llucmajor back in January <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7c3bf307-a006-48db-b6e6-4872102cd245\">19-year-old Cat Ferguson races Paris-Roubaix Femmes for the second time this Sunday, her debut last year ending with a crash caused by a spectator stepping onto the course.<\/p>\n<p>Her first taste of the cobbles of Northern France ended unceremoniously, then, but she&#8217;s been in good form so far this spring. There have been two wins, both in Spain, coming at the Trofeo Llucmajor and Setmana Volta Valenciana.<\/p>\n<p>On the cobbles, her highlights have been fourth at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and sixth at Dwars door Vlaanderen, both in a chase group behind the race-winning groups.<\/p>\n<p>Roubaix and Amstel Gold Race in a week look to mark the end of the first part of Ferguson&#8217;s season, so she&#8217;ll hope for better than her most recent result, a &#8220;brutal, brutal&#8221; outing at the Tour of Flanders, where she finished 6:53 behind race winner Vollering.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-15eab0e1-0550-438c-9f10-7b0ee55b6606\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Chiara Consonni is one of several options for Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9a6b709d-7664-4e1e-8107-370e71583c18\">UAE Team ADQ will be without former winner Elisa Longo Borghini, who is still sick, but they can look to Irish sprinter <strong>Lara Gillespie<\/strong> as a possible contender. She&#8217;s enjoying another great spring campaign, with a win at Le Samyn the highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Danish racer <strong>Emma Norsgaard<\/strong> lines up as Elisa Balsamo&#8217;s lieutenant at Lidl-Trek. She should be there or thereabouts, having raced to sixth and 11th in the past.<\/p>\n<p>Her teammate, 20-year-old <strong>Fleur Moors<\/strong> is another name to watch after finishing second at In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>With a third place at Dwars door Vlaanderen and an 11th at the Tour of Flanders under her belt, <strong>Lieke Nooijen<\/strong> is enjoying a breakout spring and could be a secret weapon for Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-47203789-c5b4-4b4d-8e60-df0df32d7dc8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franziska Koch heads to Roubaix following a strong performance in service of Demi Vollering at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2d515b10-d395-49b6-8f4f-31be07073696\">German champion <strong>Franziska Koch<\/strong> figures to be FDJ United-SUEZ&#8217;s plan A2 on Sunday. This year, she&#8217;s raced her best spring to date, including a podium at Strade Bianche, fifth at Omloop, and 10th at the Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pfeiffer Georgi<\/strong> heads up Picnic-PostNL&#8217;s selection on Sunday. She has three top 10s to her name at Roubaix, including a third place in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Sprinter <strong>Chiara Consonni<\/strong> (two top 10s in Roubaix) and time trialist <strong>Chlo\u00e9 Dygert<\/strong> (eighth last year) join Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt as part of a powerful Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto selection.<\/p>\n<p>Fenix-Premier Tech haven&#8217;t confirmed their lineup yet, but Scheldeprijs winner <strong>Charlotte Kool<\/strong>, who has a string of other top 10s to her name this spring, is set to race alongside Marhe Truyen, who finished third in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Barring the retired Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini, all former podium finishers at the race will be starting. 2022 third-place finisher <strong>Lucinda Brand<\/strong> will line up for Lidl-Trek, while 2023 runner-up Katia Ragusa (Human Powered Health) is also racing.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e94268be-1b3f-454f-97c6-383c6ccb8419\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-eogMxQXJ3jyWtS8amXV4rM\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-eogMxQXJ3jyWtS8amXV4rM slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4FSTjXz99mUMEpgw7K3NPK-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Kopecky, Wiebes, Vollering ready to battle after last year&#8217;s upset \u2013 Analysing the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Sw7mtH7HJ9r4f59UnybQsm-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Will Demi Vollering take a third win or can the powerful SD Worx-Protime and Visma-Lease a Bike duos stand in her way? \u2013\u00a0Analysing the favourites for Strade Bianche Women<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/6XgwMzKqsbMp4hZaKL6Ri4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sprinters vs attackers on the Kemmelberg \u2013\u00a0Analysing the contenders for In Flanders Fields<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bcmffpZsvTGYkZkDtJLmEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Something the initial hospital dismissed&#8217; \u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VaAmiFAMsLHnUWM49TpxcC-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot to race Paris-Roubaix Femmes alongside Marianne Vos in last-minute programme change<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8d5kYufbJabRBhSKuBvrLQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;It would be a dream to race the Tour de France Femmes&#8217; &#8211; Pathways Fund provides novel support for two US riders to join French team and compete at Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/xvM6qfJEUQrLKXUwcq8h8T-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Scheldeprijs Women: Charlotte Kool sprints to victory in crash-marred final<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hBKQE53J8SFM43PCYWTysf-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">R\u00e9gion Pays de la Loire Tour-F\u00e9minin: Amalie Dideriksen ends three-year drought on wins with bunch sprint victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Previews<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Zg3H59SrqAJ8yUL58dyFQG-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Lotte Kopecky, Demi Vollering and Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot face off in what could be an epic showdown  \u2013 Analysing the Tour of Flanders Women contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Wz8StZaiG7VeLse2hVecQA-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Van der Poel, Van Aert lead challenge against Poga\u010dar, but can debutant Evenepoel spoil the party in rare matchup? \u2013 Analysing the favourites for the men&#8217;s Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c4G53gaqNZ5TK58JCwjNv9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">A third WorldTour stage race victory in 2026 for Isaac del Toro? Analysing the Itzulia Basque Country contenders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rk3esFqRGQfMaCDXoZMm9W-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">More than a Tour of Flanders warm-up \u2013 Analysing the contenders at Dwars door Vlaanderen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/A8rsyrMGbAaRxUEhoGGAWF-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has changed E3 Saxo Classic&#8217;s status but it remains the best Flanders form guide \u2013 A closer look at the contenders for Friday&#8217;s race<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/rdmjupf49jFMfPRiYBUCEU.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Alex Aranburu blasts ahead of Tobias Halland Johannessen on final uphill section for stage 4 win<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Emily Ehrlich and Eric Brunner win opening time trials at Lake Perris and claim first leaders&#8217; jerseys<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Pays de la Loire Tour: Alexander Kamp sprints to first victory for three years on stage 3, moves into race lead<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Something the initial hospital dismissed&#8217; \u2013 Brodie Chapman out with pelvic fracture after Tour of Flanders crash<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRacing\n<\/li>\n<li>\nWomen&#8217;s Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nRoad\n<\/li>\n<li>\nParis-Roubaix Femmes\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>An open field full of contenders, from former winners to worthy wildcards \u2013 Analysing the favourites for Paris-Roubaix Femmes<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-09T10:06:59Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n9 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Past winners Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Lotte Kopecky and Alison Jackson head the startlist at the Queen of the Classics<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-545d733a-a1e8-4179-91d3-beba5037f143\">The biggest day of Classics racing of the season is upon us as the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s pelotons head to northern France to tackle Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/p>\n<p>The men&#8217;s race earlier in the afternoon is headlined by a two-man battle as Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Poga\u010dar top the favourites list, though the sixth edition of the women&#8217;s race looks to be a more open affair.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-545d733a-a1e8-4179-91d3-beba5037f143-2\">A total of 21 teams and 126 riders are set to do battle over 20 cobbled sectors, including the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre and the Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le, on Sunday afternoon, with the sectors totalling 33.7km of the challenging Paris-Roubaix Femmes route.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Injuries mean that Marlen Reusser and Kim Le Court-Pienaar won&#8217;t be taking part, while former winner Elisa Longo Borghini and Tour of Flanders champion Demi Vollering are also missing the Hell of the North.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Still, there are plenty of top names in the running. Three of the race&#8217;s five former winners, including Milan-San Remo winner Lotte Kopecky, are set to line up in Denain for the start of the 143km race, while five previous podium finishers are also racing.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Anticipation is building ahead of the Queen of the Classics, so read on for our comprehensive rundown of the contenders for the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lotte-kopecky-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-9590e430-34fa-4c24-847e-86dbe6adc06a\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/bv274XtxQ599mYK3fF4csX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Lotte Kopecky is perhaps the top favourite to win on Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-379032d3-87de-47ea-b410-0ff8f5b90a02\">Three-time Tour of Flanders winner Lotte Kopecky couldn&#8217;t add to her record haul on Sunday, instead racing to fourth behind Demi Vollering, but she still looks to be the outstanding favourite for victory in Roubaix.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian star heads up an SD Worx-Protime line-up which also features another top favourite \u2013 more on her later \u2013 and she knows what it takes to win on the cobbles of Northern France.<\/p>\n<p>Kopecky won the race in the rainbow stripes of world champion two years ago, triumphing in the V\u00e9lodrome Andr\u00e9-P\u00e9trieux in a sprint of six riders. Her other results include second in 2022, seventh in 2023, and two other top-15 rides.<\/p>\n<p>This season she has two wins to her name, Nokere Koerse and, of course, Milan-San Remo. In form and able to win races alone and in a sprint, Kopecky could well be in line for win number two this weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-pauline-ferrand-prevot-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-dc14bfac-3c98-40b5-b66e-d1026b8333e6\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/btTsHjF6WxPfaVbpA56izg-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot didn&#8217;t add Flanders to her haul but she&#8217;s back for more on the flat cobbles of Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-916ca1ef-87a9-479d-925a-3f7ccba88d5a\">Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot broke a pair of decades-old ducks for France last year, with her wins at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France Femmes going down in history. With her mission accomplished on the cobbles, she wasn&#8217;t originally set to return to the race this Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>However, the defending champion will in fact be back despite saying in January that she&#8217;d head to altitude this week between her main goals of the spring \u2013 the Tour of Flanders and Li\u00e8ge-Bastogne-Li\u00e8ge. Visma will line up with both her and Marianne Vos, with the Frenchwoman coming off a strong ride in Flanders, whilst Vos may need a bit of extra support after missing some races due to the death of her father.<\/p>\n<p>Home fans can dream once again, with Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot once again looking in strong form heading into the race. For the second year in a row, she finished second at Flanders, though last Sunday&#8217;s winner, Demi Vollering, won&#8217;t stand in her way this weekend.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elisa-balsamo-lidl-trek\"><span>Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2dde4204-ce2f-4806-8da9-3c71fe30f8b1\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UD6JGbzGF98dFsR7MaKgy5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Elisa Balsamo is one of several riders who have stepped on the Roubaix podium before <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3427c278-4a6b-48af-933e-624db0e0376f\">Following wins at the World Championships, Gent-Wevelgem, and the Trofeo Alfredo Binda (three times), sprinter Elisa Balsamo is one of the most accomplished racers still searching for her first Monument victory. Paris-Roubaix is where she&#8217;s come closest to date, having finished second at the 2024 race.<\/p>\n<p>Two years ago, she lost out to Kopecky in the velodrome sprint, having matched every move at vital points late in the race. Last year, she rounded out another stellar spring \u2013 her Classics campaign featuring two big wins and three, with a ninth place, 1:21 off the win.<\/p>\n<p>Balsamo hasn&#8217;t won yet in 2026, though podiums at the recent Ronde van Brugge and Scheldeprijs suggest she&#8217;s in solid form once more. The experience of the now-retired Lizzie Deignan and Ellen van Dijk will be missed at Lidl-Trek on Sunday, though they will put up a strong team regardless.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-lorena-wiebes-sd-worx-protime\"><span>Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bf804c99-6e90-4e9d-bbe0-1b39651409ef\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fUMyroTVsMrsYYFonW7dr6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Few riders will be keen on taking Lorena Wiebes to the line in Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-f0c007ec-6204-4810-8573-1e6025b7a7f4\">As if having Lotte Kopecky wasn&#8217;t enough, SD Worx-Protime can also rely on the fastest sprinter in the world on Sunday, with Lorena Wiebes providing a more than ample second option for the Dutch squad.<\/p>\n<p>The pair&#8217;s one-two punch is matched in strength perhaps only by Visma-Lease a Bike&#8217;s equally versatile pairing of Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot and Marianne Vos, who raced to first and fourth last year. That race also marked Wiebes&#8217; best performance yet at Roubaix as she beat Vos in the sprint for third place.<\/p>\n<p>With her Classics campaign almost at an end, Wiebes has five wins and lies third in the UCI world ranking, and yet her spring hasn&#8217;t quite matched up to last year&#8217;s, barring her In Flanders Fields victory. There&#8217;s been nothing to suggest that she can&#8217;t match, or even better, her 2025 Roubaix result this weekend, though.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-alison-jackson-st-michel-preference-home-auber93\"><span>Alison Jackson (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber93)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-2937df84-ab4b-42c9-aab0-a27b16d741fa\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Qqh768dp84XqaHQHd58xBR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Alison Jackson, a popular winner in 2023, is one of three former champions at this year&#8217;s race <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9c80c636-197c-4ce6-a508-f89f69e228c4\">Alison Jackson completes the lineup of former winners at this year&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix, with the Canadian champion having won the most memorable edition of the race to date with her victory from the breakaway three years ago.<\/p>\n<p>Back then, she dispatched with five other survivors from the early 18-woman break in a thrilling sprint finish in the Roubaix velodrome. Her post-race dance moves in celebration also hit the headlines, and her underdog triumph was immediately etched in the short history of the race.<\/p>\n<p>Fifth place last year is her best result since then, while this Sunday she&#8217;ll line up on a whole new team, trading EF for the lesser-known French squad St Michel during the off-season. At 37, Jackson is entering the final years of her career, but, as we&#8217;ve seen time and again in the men&#8217;s race, experience and know-how count for a lot at Paris-Roubaix.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-marianne-vos-visma-lease-a-bike\"><span>Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-cdad952e-6932-400e-8f00-1cea5de4f42f\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/QHeye8DD7zMdvEdtqTzeSX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Marianne Vos returns to racing following the death of her father last week <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-cfa48ac6-5d3a-4053-8c0f-75169ee3f577\">Marianne Vos returns to racing this weekend following the death of her father last week. The Dutchwoman missed Flanders as a result, but she&#8217;ll form a formidable partnership with Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Vos has a stellar record at this race, even if she hasn&#8217;t won yet. COVID-caused DNS in 2022 aside, her Roubaix palmar\u00e8s reads: second, 10th, fourth, fourth.<\/p>\n<p>For a woman with 258 wins to her name encompassing almost every race in the sport, Paris-Roubaix is one of the few gaps remaining in her palmar\u00e8s. At 38, time is running out to win the race, but she still lines up as an automatic favourite.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-zoe-baeckstedt-canyon-sram-zondacrypto\"><span>Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt (Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a5b72d3b-9521-4cbd-8285-86ee3f482dbd\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/W2eSjUFtpmmXTyjbdx7iX6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt heads up Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto&#8217;s charge after a strong result at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-3dbd1e20-3975-40c1-ac2f-0fd5b456768e\">Daughter of 2004 men&#8217;s race winner Magnus, Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt is firmly among the top contenders for success this Sunday, having enjoyed a very strong week on the cobbles of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>The 21-year-old is one of the form riders in the peloton, having finished fourth at Dwars door Vlaanderen and fifth at the Tour of Flanders, with B\u00e4ckstedt saying she had &#8220;a few goosebumps&#8221; as she raced up the Koppenberg among the leaders on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>This Sunday, she&#8217;ll be tackling far flatter stretches of cobbles and will once again be hoping to race over the famous sectors with the top contenders. In three participations to date, she&#8217;s finished 46th, 16th, and 15th. Hopes will be far higher this time around.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-elise-chabbey-fdj-united-suez\"><span>Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-SUEZ)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-0e48d63f-5eca-4aef-b844-5b321623cf15\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/8yFKiQnaHhhcAtWgSdk5m6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Following her Strade Bianche triumph, Elise Chabbey once again leads FDJ in the absence of Demi Vollering <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-476ecb54-6f46-497e-a3c7-9a47f49b0223\">FDJ United-Suez leader and Tour of Flanders champion Demi Vollering has never raced Paris-Roubaix, and she won&#8217;t be starting this year, so leadership of the French team is handed over to top lieutenant Elise Chabbey instead.<\/p>\n<p>The Swiss racer, among our tips to break through with a big Classics result this spring, stepped up when Vollering was among several riders who got caught out by a wrong turn at Strade Bianche. She raced on to glory in Siena, scoring the biggest win of her career to date and the second of three major Classics FDJ have won this spring.<\/p>\n<p>Chabbey has form at Roubaix, having finished fourth in 2022 and seventh last year. She&#8217;s in form, too, having followed up her Tuscan triumph with fourth at In Flanders Fields. On Sunday, she helped Vollering to victory in Flanders, and now she&#8217;ll have a chance to go for it herself once more.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-letizia-borghesi-ag-insurance-soudal\"><span>Letizia Borghesi (AG Insurance-Soudal)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-d39804a7-fc12-454b-a0fb-5d90b46baf45\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/cYtn9LygodGUvcs3yBpDx6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">2025 Paris-Roubaix Femmes runner-up Letizia Borghesi is racing for a new team this season <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-4fcd0c8f-2ef1-4b15-802b-b2c3a451406c\">Letizia Borghesi raced to a podium finish at last year&#8217;s race. The 27-year-old was racing for EF Education-EasyPost then, but the US team will have to look elsewhere this Sunday with Borghesi having switched to AG Insurance-Soudal during the winter.<\/p>\n<p>Last spring, Borghesi was in flying form, finishing sixth at the Tour of Flanders before finishing the best of the rest behind Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot with a late solo attack.<\/p>\n<p>She hasn&#8217;t shown that same form on the cobbles in the past six weeks, with a DNF at the Tour of Flanders her lead-in result to Roubaix. 11th at Dwars door Vlaanderen has been her strongest outing, while she finished fifth at the hilly Trofeo Alfredo Binda in March.<\/p>\n<p>Borghesi isn&#8217;t a top favourite for Sunday, but her outing last time out makes her impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-cat-ferguson-movistar\"><span>Cat Ferguson (Movistar)<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-666f3990-355a-434b-8502-5d2c7a7aa8e2\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/sJQbKWU7zwUi7sDHtP3zRi-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Cat Ferguson celebrates her victory at the Trofeo Llucmajor back in January <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-7c3bf307-a006-48db-b6e6-4872102cd245\">19-year-old Cat Ferguson races Paris-Roubaix Femmes for the second time this Sunday, her debut last year ending with a crash caused by a spectator stepping onto the course.<\/p>\n<p>Her first taste of the cobbles of Northern France ended unceremoniously, then, but she&#8217;s been in good form so far this spring. There have been two wins, both in Spain, coming at the Trofeo Llucmajor and Setmana Volta Valenciana.<\/p>\n<p>On the cobbles, her highlights have been fourth at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and sixth at Dwars door Vlaanderen, both in a chase group behind the race-winning groups.<\/p>\n<p>Roubaix and Amstel Gold Race in a week look to mark the end of the first part of Ferguson&#8217;s season, so she&#8217;ll hope for better than her most recent result, a &#8220;brutal, brutal&#8221; outing at the Tour of Flanders, where she finished 6:53 behind race winner Vollering.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"article-body__section\" id=\"section-honourable-mentions\"><span>Honourable mentions<\/span><\/h3>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-15eab0e1-0550-438c-9f10-7b0ee55b6606\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/b3QUJcC5k9JQPN3jBG4FAX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Chiara Consonni is one of several options for Canyon-SRAM-Zondacrypto <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9a6b709d-7664-4e1e-8107-370e71583c18\">UAE Team ADQ will be without former winner Elisa Longo Borghini, who is still sick, but they can look to Irish sprinter <strong>Lara Gillespie<\/strong> as a possible contender. She&#8217;s enjoying another great spring campaign, with a win at Le Samyn the highlight.<\/p>\n<p>Danish racer <strong>Emma Norsgaard<\/strong> lines up as Elisa Balsamo&#8217;s lieutenant at Lidl-Trek. She should be there or thereabouts, having raced to sixth and 11th in the past.<\/p>\n<p>Her teammate, 20-year-old <strong>Fleur Moors<\/strong> is another name to watch after finishing second at In Flanders Fields.<\/p>\n<p>With a third place at Dwars door Vlaanderen and an 11th at the Tour of Flanders under her belt, <strong>Lieke Nooijen<\/strong> is enjoying a breakout spring and could be a secret weapon for Visma-Lease a Bike.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-47203789-c5b4-4b4d-8e60-df0df32d7dc8\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Q5xMS6Pt4N4UMZ4aGJCzMQ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Franziska Koch heads to Roubaix following a strong performance in service of Demi Vollering at the Tour of Flanders <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2d515b10-d395-49b6-8f4f-31be07073696\">German champion <strong>Franziska Koch<\/strong> figures to be FDJ United-SUEZ&#8217;s plan A2 on Sunday. This year, she&#8217;s raced her best spring to date, including a podium at Strade Bianche, fifth at Omloop, and 10th at the Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Pfeiffer Georgi<\/strong> heads up Picnic-PostNL&#8217;s selection on Sunday. She has three top 10s to her name at Roubaix, including a third place in 2024.<\/p>\n<p>Sprinter <strong>Chiara Consonni<\/strong> (two top 10s in Roubaix) and time trialist <strong>Chlo\u00e9 Dygert<\/strong> (eighth last year) join Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt as part of a powerful Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto selection.<\/p>\n<p>Fenix-Premier Tech haven&#8217;t confirmed their lineup yet, but Scheldeprijs winner <strong>Charlotte Kool<\/strong>, who has a string of other top 10s to her name this spring, is set to race alongside Marhe Truyen, who finished third in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>Barring the retired Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini, all former podium finishers at the race will be starting. 2022 third-place finisher <strong>Lucinda Brand<\/strong> will line up for Lidl-Trek, while 2023 runner-up Katia Ragusa (Human Powered Health) is also racing.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-e94268be-1b3f-454f-97c6-383c6ccb8419\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics<\/strong><\/em><em><strong> coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/womens-cycling\/an-open-field-full-of-contenders-from-former-winners-to-worthy-wildcards-analysing-the-favourites-for-paris-roubaix-femmes\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/z5MquKJxgmHhaU4dHqpoPg-2560-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Road Paris-Roubaix Femmes An open field full of contenders, from former winners to worthy wildcards \u2013 Analysing the favourites for Paris-Roubaix Femmes By Dani Ostanek published 9 April 2026 Past winners Pauline Ferrand-Pr\u00e9vot, Lotte Kopecky and Alison Jackson head the startlist at the Queen of the Classics [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1874464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1874464"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1874464\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1874464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1874464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1874464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}