{"id":1877288,"date":"2026-04-10T11:22:05","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T08:22:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1877288"},"modified":"2026-04-10T11:22:05","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T08:22:05","slug":"the-mens-and-womens-paris-roubaix-are-both-on-the-same-day-this-year-great-plan-for-more-spectators-or-disadvantaging-the-womens-race","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1877288","title":{"rendered":"The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:22:05Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Exploring the pros and cons of holding one mega Roubaix day on Sunday<\/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\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paris-Roubaix Femmes has previously had its own day on the calendar<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">4<\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 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-a2af75b9-b3db-4121-93fd-f47963444f06\">This year, Paris-Roubaix weekend is going to be different, because for the first time since the women&#8217;s race was launched six years ago, both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s races will be held on one day, on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, the women&#8217;s race enjoyed its very own day on Saturday, taking place after the Roubaix sportive, getting the cycling world&#8217;s full attention for a day, and kicking off a mega weekend for fans.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2af75b9-b3db-4121-93fd-f47963444f06-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This year, though, ostensibly down to the organisational and policing costs of closing all the roads for two full days, ASO have opted to hold the women&#8217;s race on the Sunday, finishing shortly after the men&#8217;s. And in fact, it&#8217;s not just two races on the same day, it&#8217;s four, as the junior and under-23 men&#8217;s races will also take place before the elite events. It&#8217;s going to be a busy, busy day in the Roubaix velodrome.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">When to tune into Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes to catch the most exciting and important cobble sectors<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Holding both races on the same day is not unusual, and indeed almost every other major Classic does so \u2013 barring Le Samyn and the Ronde van Brugge \u2013 so it&#8217;s a tried and tested formula, where Roubaix was previously the outlier. And there are reasons other than just money and logistics: joint race days often encourage higher viewing figures, bigger crowds, and a general crescendo of racing with two big events in one afternoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">However, though it may have been a rarity, there were some really good things about holding the women&#8217;s Roubaix on its own separate day, and these will now be lost, and the women&#8217;s race will have to fight with the men&#8217;s race for attention and coverage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But are these cons outweighed by the pros? Or will the logistical, financial decision prove costly in other ways? It certainly isn&#8217;t all bad, and there will be some great benefits to combining the race days, so ahead of Sunday, we take a closer look at what we&#8217;re expecting to be positive and negative about this big change.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-bigger-roadside-crowds-3\">Pro: bigger roadside crowds<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-7234f958-95ce-464d-8570-0768bf35a835\">This may not have been the motivating factor for ASO to rearrange Paris-Roubaix weekend, but one obvious pro is that, if the same-day Tours of Flanders and other Flanders Classics are anything to go by, the women&#8217;s race will enjoy bigger roadside crowds. The truth is that women&#8217;s cycling is still less popular than men&#8217;s, and it&#8217;s a harder ask to expect fans to come out on a separate day, whereas on Sunday, many will hopefully stick around for the women&#8217;s race. Even for fans of both, one big day out or trip to the cobbles is going to make more sense than making the journey twice.<\/p>\n<p>The women&#8217;s race has often benefited from the fact that a lot of sportive riders are still in the velodrome at the finish on Saturday, but the crowds are noticeably smaller. This year, they&#8217;ll finish in front of the packed-out stands we&#8217;re used to seeing for the men&#8217;s race, where fans have to be turned away because the velodrome is full hours before the finish.<\/p>\n<p>Getting more eyes and fervour on the women&#8217;s race is absolutely a great thing, and I&#8217;m really excited to see the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre and the velodrome buzzing with excitement for the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ae4aff1a-0505-4892-9c82-defe93ecd9b1\">\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\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Crowds are a big part of the mythical atmosphere of Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-31e1b973-77cf-4cc6-97fb-feebcfb0b61d\">There is, however, one minor downside to all of this, which a few commentators have raised this week, and that&#8217;s fan behaviour. We saw at the Tour of Flanders how the drinking culture at the Classics can spill into incidents, like a portion of the crowd knocking a barrier into the road on the Oude Kwaremont on Sunday, and we&#8217;ve seen similar alcohol-fuelled raucousness at Roubaix.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PACLdHPKo4sTYMb2q7yNZa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PACLdHPKo4sTYMb2q7yNZa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Roubaix weather forecast \u2013 Rainfall, wind, and temperature details for this Sunday&#8217;s races<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>By placing the women&#8217;s race right at the end of the day, there is a fear that it could face the worst of behaviour from fans who have been drinking all afternoon.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-harder-to-watch-both-on-tv-but-higher-viewing-figures-are-expected-3\">Con: harder to watch both on TV (but higher viewing figures are expected) <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-a693d780-d511-451a-b345-96c8f99c2bd9\">However, for all that we&#8217;re expecting bigger crowds on the roadside, it&#8217;s going to be a disadvantage to fans at home, who can no longer watch both race broadcasts in full. As the women&#8217;s race hits the first cobbled sectors, the men will be just hitting Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le \u2013 how do you choose which to watch?<\/p>\n<p>The luxury of the separate race days was that fans and pundits could give their full attention to both races, watching hours of each without distractions, in a way that really helped to deepen the focus on the women&#8217;s race, without having to compete with the men&#8217;s. Unfortunately, that won&#8217;t be the case this year.<\/p>\n<p>The idea is that more viewers will stick around to watch the women&#8217;s finish on TV, and therefore the finish will have high viewing figures, and from evidence of the Tour of Flanders, this does actually work, so that is absolutely a good thing. But higher peak viewing figures might come at the cost of fans missing key parts of both races, which is a shame for a race like Roubaix. It&#8217;s an appeal to a wider audience, possibly at the expense of dedicated women&#8217;s cycling fans.<\/p>\n<p>(There are ways to do this differently on the same day, by the way, like Strade Bianche, where the women&#8217;s race takes place largely in the morning, before the exciting parts of the men&#8217;s race start. But this has its downsides too: an early start for the women, and less of that &#8216;sticking around&#8217; effect for casual viewers.)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-women-s-race-is-part-of-one-mega-roubaix-festival-3\">Pro: women&#8217;s race is part of one mega Roubaix festival <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4e153e0c-3bda-4a0f-b55f-0e45ed32c968\">\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\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-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\">The women&#8217;s race has more than earnt the right to have equal billing with the men <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9b30926c-582c-4cd3-a75e-d15a47b2bd4b\">Similarly to the positive aspect of bigger crowds at the roadside, bringing the races onto the same day helps position the women&#8217;s race as being on the same standing as the men&#8217;s, all part of the same big celebration of Roubaix, not segregated on a different day.<\/p>\n<p>The women have never been part of the Sunday in Hell (Saturday in Hell doesn&#8217;t quite have the same ring to it), and this year they will. There will be joint podiums, extended coverage all day of both races, and they&#8217;ll be brought together like never before.<\/p>\n<p>Forget the logistical impracticalities for a minute, and it is cool to see a women&#8217;s race elevated onto the same platform as the men&#8217;s.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-harder-for-the-media-to-cover-both-to-the-fullest-3\">Con: harder for the media to cover both to the fullest<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3e1d0c0e-d51e-4752-ba69-1fb3a2912621\">I think every journalist&#8217;s heart sank a little bit when we first saw the news that the two Roubaix races would be on the same day in 2026. I&#8217;ve covered both races before, and even on separate days, it is one of the harder races to cover. There are so many storylines, so much chaos, so much to write \u2013 it&#8217;s a really big challenge to get it all and write it all in the few hours after the race finishes. Doing this for two races simultaneously is going to be madness.<\/p>\n<p>The really great thing about having the women&#8217;s race on Saturday is that outlets could have full teams focusing on both races, and dedicate Saturday solely to the women&#8217;s race, with more, better, in-depth coverage often the result.<\/p>\n<p>With most publications not really able to employ double the number of staff for Sunday, attention will be divided after both races. This naturally limits the coverage and depth on both races. Of course, it is doable \u2013 we just did it for all the Flanders Classics \u2013 but separate race days just allow you to do so, so much more, on both races.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bea82807-c6e1-42bd-a67d-8fd44953f93c\">\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\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-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\">Media teams will be split across the two races finishing within an hour of each other on Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e2520b58-7dba-4859-bd23-9e6867c27074\">Unfortunately, in the world of TV and social media supremacy, the plight of written journalism isn&#8217;t a big concern for ASO, and we are definitely a small cog in the massive machine of Roubaix. But given the chance to read six post-race stories and in-depth analysis on the women&#8217;s race compared to three, I&#8217;m always going to hope for the option that makes better coverage of this sport possible.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-cheaper-to-organise-3\">Pro: cheaper to organise<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-09a872ee-935d-4a1a-8523-16a7f3d4a2dd\">All the other pros aside, this was the actual reason why ASO wanted to combine the race days, and obviously, it is a pro. If saving money makes the women&#8217;s race more viable or allows ASO to spend more money on marketing and prize money, then that is a good thing overall.<\/p>\n<p>To take it to the extreme, I think we&#8217;d all rather have women&#8217;s Roubaix on the Sunday, all cons aside, if the other option was that ASO deemed it too expensive to run at all.<\/p>\n<p>Even though there is more and more money in women&#8217;s cycling each year, in part thanks to Zwift, which sponsors the Tour de France Femmes, and did sponsor Roubaix too until this year, it still doesn&#8217;t quite make the return that men&#8217;s racing does. Losing Zwift as a sponsor for Roubaix probably also contributed to ASO needed to make a saving on the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p>I wish there were a magic money tree, or that organisers felt compelled to invest and wait for the return; that&#8217;s not always how business works, and sometimes cycling has to be pragmatic. It&#8217;s not the ideal, but if it&#8217;s necessary to keep the race alive, I&#8217;ll accept it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-the-state-of-the-cobbles-3\">Con: the state of the cobbles<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-845b7f47-d2ff-4129-8f27-6f16c192ac4d\">\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\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-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\">In wet conditions, four races in one day could equal total carnage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a6b361fc-6fbe-4037-ab7c-a55f3160c892\">As I said earlier, the women&#8217;s race will actually be the fourth time a peloton goes over many of the sectors on Sunday, following the junior men, under-23 men and elite men, and this could have real implications for the conditions of the cobbles. Hundreds of riders battering the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre is no joke.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, there is currently no rain forecast for Sunday, but if there was, and four whole pelotons had to go over the sectors in a matter of hours, some of them could turn into absolute messes. This might not be an issue for this year, but ASO need to keep this in mind if they want to keep all four races on the same day.<\/p>\n<p>For this year, though, we just have to see how it goes \u2013 how the mega Roubaix day works logistically, what the impact is on the coverage, and importantly, how it affects viewership and crowds. For all that there are concerns, it could really work, and we&#8217;ll only find out the answer on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c4871ad-7d27-4c43-96c9-415b179f10f6\"><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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Paris-Roubaix<\/p>\n<p>Paris-Roubaix Femmes<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-EK9HAeme65fSooJ7kpUN3H\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-EK9HAeme65fSooJ7kpUN3H 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-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\">When to tune into Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes to catch the most exciting and important cobble sectors<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-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\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-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\">2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes route<\/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\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-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;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/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\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-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;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/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\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-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\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Emily Ehrlich and Eric Brunner win opening time trials at Lake Perris and claim first leader&#8217;s jerseys<\/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\/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>\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 Features<\/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\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-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\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has thrown the kitchen sink at his bike for Paris-Roubaix and I love everything about it<\/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\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-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\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">It started with an omelette \u2013 The story of Chez Fran\u00e7oise, the humble caf\u00e9 that has become &#8216;part of the legend of Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/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\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Roubaix brings Tadej Poga\u010dar vs Mathieu van der Poel round three in 2026, but who has the better supporting cast for the hellish pav\u00e9? \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Unorthodox and indecisive: Everything we know from Paris-Roubaix recon so far<\/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\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-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\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accesories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rapha Archive Sale ends this weekend, and it&#8217;s your last chance to save up to 50% on some of our favourite Rapha apparel \u2013 Gear up for summer now at a fraction of the cost<\/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\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-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\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name every Paris-Roubaix podium in the last 10 years?<\/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\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL.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 stage 6 LIVE &#8211; More climbing on the menu for final stage of the race<\/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\">Even more new prototype Dura-Ace parts spotted on Jasper Philipsen&#8217;s Canyon Endurace CFR for Paris-Roubaix <\/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\">Quiz! Can you name every Paris-Roubaix podium in the last 10 years?<\/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\">Lidl-Trek sports director Kim Andersen excluded from Itzulia Basque Country after his team car collided with Markel Beloki<\/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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has thrown the kitchen sink at his bike for Paris-Roubaix and I love everything about it<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:22:05Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Exploring the pros and cons of holding one mega Roubaix day on Sunday<\/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\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Paris-Roubaix Femmes has previously had its own day on the calendar<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">4<\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 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-a2af75b9-b3db-4121-93fd-f47963444f06\">This year, Paris-Roubaix weekend is going to be different, because for the first time since the women&#8217;s race was launched six years ago, both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s races will be held on one day, on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, the women&#8217;s race enjoyed its very own day on Saturday, taking place after the Roubaix sportive, getting the cycling world&#8217;s full attention for a day, and kicking off a mega weekend for fans.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2af75b9-b3db-4121-93fd-f47963444f06-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This year, though, ostensibly down to the organisational and policing costs of closing all the roads for two full days, ASO have opted to hold the women&#8217;s race on the Sunday, finishing shortly after the men&#8217;s. And in fact, it&#8217;s not just two races on the same day, it&#8217;s four, as the junior and under-23 men&#8217;s races will also take place before the elite events. It&#8217;s going to be a busy, busy day in the Roubaix velodrome.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">When to tune into Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes to catch the most exciting and important cobble sectors<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Holding both races on the same day is not unusual, and indeed almost every other major Classic does so \u2013 barring Le Samyn and the Ronde van Brugge \u2013 so it&#8217;s a tried and tested formula, where Roubaix was previously the outlier. And there are reasons other than just money and logistics: joint race days often encourage higher viewing figures, bigger crowds, and a general crescendo of racing with two big events in one afternoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">However, though it may have been a rarity, there were some really good things about holding the women&#8217;s Roubaix on its own separate day, and these will now be lost, and the women&#8217;s race will have to fight with the men&#8217;s race for attention and coverage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But are these cons outweighed by the pros? Or will the logistical, financial decision prove costly in other ways? It certainly isn&#8217;t all bad, and there will be some great benefits to combining the race days, so ahead of Sunday, we take a closer look at what we&#8217;re expecting to be positive and negative about this big change.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-bigger-roadside-crowds-3\">Pro: bigger roadside crowds<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-7234f958-95ce-464d-8570-0768bf35a835\">This may not have been the motivating factor for ASO to rearrange Paris-Roubaix weekend, but one obvious pro is that, if the same-day Tours of Flanders and other Flanders Classics are anything to go by, the women&#8217;s race will enjoy bigger roadside crowds. The truth is that women&#8217;s cycling is still less popular than men&#8217;s, and it&#8217;s a harder ask to expect fans to come out on a separate day, whereas on Sunday, many will hopefully stick around for the women&#8217;s race. Even for fans of both, one big day out or trip to the cobbles is going to make more sense than making the journey twice.<\/p>\n<p>The women&#8217;s race has often benefited from the fact that a lot of sportive riders are still in the velodrome at the finish on Saturday, but the crowds are noticeably smaller. This year, they&#8217;ll finish in front of the packed-out stands we&#8217;re used to seeing for the men&#8217;s race, where fans have to be turned away because the velodrome is full hours before the finish.<\/p>\n<p>Getting more eyes and fervour on the women&#8217;s race is absolutely a great thing, and I&#8217;m really excited to see the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre and the velodrome buzzing with excitement for the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ae4aff1a-0505-4892-9c82-defe93ecd9b1\">\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\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Crowds are a big part of the mythical atmosphere of Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-31e1b973-77cf-4cc6-97fb-feebcfb0b61d\">There is, however, one minor downside to all of this, which a few commentators have raised this week, and that&#8217;s fan behaviour. We saw at the Tour of Flanders how the drinking culture at the Classics can spill into incidents, like a portion of the crowd knocking a barrier into the road on the Oude Kwaremont on Sunday, and we&#8217;ve seen similar alcohol-fuelled raucousness at Roubaix.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PACLdHPKo4sTYMb2q7yNZa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PACLdHPKo4sTYMb2q7yNZa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Roubaix weather forecast \u2013 Rainfall, wind, and temperature details for this Sunday&#8217;s races<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>By placing the women&#8217;s race right at the end of the day, there is a fear that it could face the worst of behaviour from fans who have been drinking all afternoon.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-harder-to-watch-both-on-tv-but-higher-viewing-figures-are-expected-3\">Con: harder to watch both on TV (but higher viewing figures are expected) <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-a693d780-d511-451a-b345-96c8f99c2bd9\">However, for all that we&#8217;re expecting bigger crowds on the roadside, it&#8217;s going to be a disadvantage to fans at home, who can no longer watch both race broadcasts in full. As the women&#8217;s race hits the first cobbled sectors, the men will be just hitting Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le \u2013 how do you choose which to watch?<\/p>\n<p>The luxury of the separate race days was that fans and pundits could give their full attention to both races, watching hours of each without distractions, in a way that really helped to deepen the focus on the women&#8217;s race, without having to compete with the men&#8217;s. Unfortunately, that won&#8217;t be the case this year.<\/p>\n<p>The idea is that more viewers will stick around to watch the women&#8217;s finish on TV, and therefore the finish will have high viewing figures, and from evidence of the Tour of Flanders, this does actually work, so that is absolutely a good thing. But higher peak viewing figures might come at the cost of fans missing key parts of both races, which is a shame for a race like Roubaix. It&#8217;s an appeal to a wider audience, possibly at the expense of dedicated women&#8217;s cycling fans.<\/p>\n<p>(There are ways to do this differently on the same day, by the way, like Strade Bianche, where the women&#8217;s race takes place largely in the morning, before the exciting parts of the men&#8217;s race start. But this has its downsides too: an early start for the women, and less of that &#8216;sticking around&#8217; effect for casual viewers.)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-women-s-race-is-part-of-one-mega-roubaix-festival-3\">Pro: women&#8217;s race is part of one mega Roubaix festival <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4e153e0c-3bda-4a0f-b55f-0e45ed32c968\">\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\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-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\">The women&#8217;s race has more than earnt the right to have equal billing with the men <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9b30926c-582c-4cd3-a75e-d15a47b2bd4b\">Similarly to the positive aspect of bigger crowds at the roadside, bringing the races onto the same day helps position the women&#8217;s race as being on the same standing as the men&#8217;s, all part of the same big celebration of Roubaix, not segregated on a different day.<\/p>\n<p>The women have never been part of the Sunday in Hell (Saturday in Hell doesn&#8217;t quite have the same ring to it), and this year they will. There will be joint podiums, extended coverage all day of both races, and they&#8217;ll be brought together like never before.<\/p>\n<p>Forget the logistical impracticalities for a minute, and it is cool to see a women&#8217;s race elevated onto the same platform as the men&#8217;s.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-harder-for-the-media-to-cover-both-to-the-fullest-3\">Con: harder for the media to cover both to the fullest<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3e1d0c0e-d51e-4752-ba69-1fb3a2912621\">I think every journalist&#8217;s heart sank a little bit when we first saw the news that the two Roubaix races would be on the same day in 2026. I&#8217;ve covered both races before, and even on separate days, it is one of the harder races to cover. There are so many storylines, so much chaos, so much to write \u2013 it&#8217;s a really big challenge to get it all and write it all in the few hours after the race finishes. Doing this for two races simultaneously is going to be madness.<\/p>\n<p>The really great thing about having the women&#8217;s race on Saturday is that outlets could have full teams focusing on both races, and dedicate Saturday solely to the women&#8217;s race, with more, better, in-depth coverage often the result.<\/p>\n<p>With most publications not really able to employ double the number of staff for Sunday, attention will be divided after both races. This naturally limits the coverage and depth on both races. Of course, it is doable \u2013 we just did it for all the Flanders Classics \u2013 but separate race days just allow you to do so, so much more, on both races.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bea82807-c6e1-42bd-a67d-8fd44953f93c\">\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\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-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\">Media teams will be split across the two races finishing within an hour of each other on Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e2520b58-7dba-4859-bd23-9e6867c27074\">Unfortunately, in the world of TV and social media supremacy, the plight of written journalism isn&#8217;t a big concern for ASO, and we are definitely a small cog in the massive machine of Roubaix. But given the chance to read six post-race stories and in-depth analysis on the women&#8217;s race compared to three, I&#8217;m always going to hope for the option that makes better coverage of this sport possible.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-cheaper-to-organise-3\">Pro: cheaper to organise<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-09a872ee-935d-4a1a-8523-16a7f3d4a2dd\">All the other pros aside, this was the actual reason why ASO wanted to combine the race days, and obviously, it is a pro. If saving money makes the women&#8217;s race more viable or allows ASO to spend more money on marketing and prize money, then that is a good thing overall.<\/p>\n<p>To take it to the extreme, I think we&#8217;d all rather have women&#8217;s Roubaix on the Sunday, all cons aside, if the other option was that ASO deemed it too expensive to run at all.<\/p>\n<p>Even though there is more and more money in women&#8217;s cycling each year, in part thanks to Zwift, which sponsors the Tour de France Femmes, and did sponsor Roubaix too until this year, it still doesn&#8217;t quite make the return that men&#8217;s racing does. Losing Zwift as a sponsor for Roubaix probably also contributed to ASO needed to make a saving on the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p>I wish there were a magic money tree, or that organisers felt compelled to invest and wait for the return; that&#8217;s not always how business works, and sometimes cycling has to be pragmatic. It&#8217;s not the ideal, but if it&#8217;s necessary to keep the race alive, I&#8217;ll accept it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-the-state-of-the-cobbles-3\">Con: the state of the cobbles<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-845b7f47-d2ff-4129-8f27-6f16c192ac4d\">\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\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-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\">In wet conditions, four races in one day could equal total carnage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a6b361fc-6fbe-4037-ab7c-a55f3160c892\">As I said earlier, the women&#8217;s race will actually be the fourth time a peloton goes over many of the sectors on Sunday, following the junior men, under-23 men and elite men, and this could have real implications for the conditions of the cobbles. Hundreds of riders battering the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre is no joke.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, there is currently no rain forecast for Sunday, but if there was, and four whole pelotons had to go over the sectors in a matter of hours, some of them could turn into absolute messes. This might not be an issue for this year, but ASO need to keep this in mind if they want to keep all four races on the same day.<\/p>\n<p>For this year, though, we just have to see how it goes \u2013 how the mega Roubaix day works logistically, what the impact is on the coverage, and importantly, how it affects viewership and crowds. For all that there are concerns, it could really work, and we&#8217;ll only find out the answer on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c4871ad-7d27-4c43-96c9-415b179f10f6\"><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 class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Paris-Roubaix<\/p>\n<p>Paris-Roubaix Femmes<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-EK9HAeme65fSooJ7kpUN3H\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-EK9HAeme65fSooJ7kpUN3H 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__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Matilda Price<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Assistant Features Editor<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Matilda is an NCTJ-qualified journalist based in the UK who joined <em>Cyclingnews <\/em>in March 2025. Prior to that, she worked as the Racing News Editor at <em>GCN<\/em>, and extensively as a freelancer contributing to <em>Cyclingnews, Cycling Weekly, Velo, Rouleur, Escape Collective, Red Bull <\/em>and more. She has reported on the ground at all of the biggest events on the calendar, including the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Tours de France, the Giro d&#8217;Italia, the Vuelta a Espana, the Spring Classics and the World Championships. She has particular experience and expertise in women&#8217;s cycling, and women&#8217;s sport in general. She is a graduate of modern languages and sports journalism.<\/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\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-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\">When to tune into Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes to catch the most exciting and important cobble sectors<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-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\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/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\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-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\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2zUe7WxeKJvbrVYKqXDwKH-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\">2026 Paris-Roubaix Femmes route<\/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\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-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;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/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\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-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;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/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\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pMFpJAXGddULWiJxZCkdon-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\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Emily Ehrlich and Eric Brunner win opening time trials at Lake Perris and claim first leader&#8217;s jerseys<\/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\/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>\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 Features<\/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\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/a5C3dpRF7WWJohLQ76g4dN-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\">Pro Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has thrown the kitchen sink at his bike for Paris-Roubaix and I love everything about it<\/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\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/93a59gAv2MRyQCHeCKdkaf-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\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">It started with an omelette \u2013 The story of Chez Fran\u00e7oise, the humble caf\u00e9 that has become &#8216;part of the legend of Paris-Roubaix&#8217;<\/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\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DFD27epbgCN4Rkw6bzdbBa-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\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Paris-Roubaix brings Tadej Poga\u010dar vs Mathieu van der Poel round three in 2026, but who has the better supporting cast for the hellish pav\u00e9? \u2013 Analysis<\/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\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PfFJku8cuv2vkBRGzVoidc-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Unorthodox and indecisive: Everything we know from Paris-Roubaix recon so far<\/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\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Artg48p9S739SfACBmSFAE-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\">Cycling Kit &amp; Accesories<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The Rapha Archive Sale ends this weekend, and it&#8217;s your last chance to save up to 50% on some of our favourite Rapha apparel \u2013 Gear up for summer now at a fraction of the cost<\/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\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EUsU4rLRSvpekyM5P9sexe-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\">Cycling Culture<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Quiz! Can you name every Paris-Roubaix podium in the last 10 years?<\/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\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4bkUwoiA6BawBQkLgVu9pL.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 stage 6 LIVE &#8211; More climbing on the menu for final stage of the race<\/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\">Even more new prototype Dura-Ace parts spotted on Jasper Philipsen&#8217;s Canyon Endurace CFR for Paris-Roubaix <\/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\">Quiz! Can you name every Paris-Roubaix podium in the last 10 years?<\/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\">Lidl-Trek sports director Kim Andersen excluded from Itzulia Basque Country after his team car collided with Markel Beloki<\/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\">Tadej Poga\u010dar has thrown the kitchen sink at his bike for Paris-Roubaix and I love everything about it<\/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<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nMatilda Price <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T11:22:05Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Exploring the pros and cons of holding one mega Roubaix day on Sunday<\/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 id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\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-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">4<\/span><\/p>\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-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\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-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 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-a2af75b9-b3db-4121-93fd-f47963444f06\">This year, Paris-Roubaix weekend is going to be different, because for the first time since the women&#8217;s race was launched six years ago, both the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s races will be held on one day, on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p>Previously, the women&#8217;s race enjoyed its very own day on Saturday, taking place after the Roubaix sportive, getting the cycling world&#8217;s full attention for a day, and kicking off a mega weekend for fans.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-a2af75b9-b3db-4121-93fd-f47963444f06-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">This year, though, ostensibly down to the organisational and policing costs of closing all the roads for two full days, ASO have opted to hold the women&#8217;s race on the Sunday, finishing shortly after the men&#8217;s. And in fact, it&#8217;s not just two races on the same day, it&#8217;s four, as the junior and under-23 men&#8217;s races will also take place before the elite events. It&#8217;s going to be a busy, busy day in the Roubaix velodrome.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AeCVHNowE3QziAJaJ6Dj8Y-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">When to tune into Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes to catch the most exciting and important cobble sectors<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">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><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Holding both races on the same day is not unusual, and indeed almost every other major Classic does so \u2013 barring Le Samyn and the Ronde van Brugge \u2013 so it&#8217;s a tried and tested formula, where Roubaix was previously the outlier. And there are reasons other than just money and logistics: joint race days often encourage higher viewing figures, bigger crowds, and a general crescendo of racing with two big events in one afternoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">However, though it may have been a rarity, there were some really good things about holding the women&#8217;s Roubaix on its own separate day, and these will now be lost, and the women&#8217;s race will have to fight with the men&#8217;s race for attention and coverage.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">But are these cons outweighed by the pros? Or will the logistical, financial decision prove costly in other ways? It certainly isn&#8217;t all bad, and there will be some great benefits to combining the race days, so ahead of Sunday, we take a closer look at what we&#8217;re expecting to be positive and negative about this big change.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-bigger-roadside-crowds-3\">Pro: bigger roadside crowds<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-7234f958-95ce-464d-8570-0768bf35a835\">This may not have been the motivating factor for ASO to rearrange Paris-Roubaix weekend, but one obvious pro is that, if the same-day Tours of Flanders and other Flanders Classics are anything to go by, the women&#8217;s race will enjoy bigger roadside crowds. The truth is that women&#8217;s cycling is still less popular than men&#8217;s, and it&#8217;s a harder ask to expect fans to come out on a separate day, whereas on Sunday, many will hopefully stick around for the women&#8217;s race. Even for fans of both, one big day out or trip to the cobbles is going to make more sense than making the journey twice.<\/p>\n<p>The women&#8217;s race has often benefited from the fact that a lot of sportive riders are still in the velodrome at the finish on Saturday, but the crowds are noticeably smaller. This year, they&#8217;ll finish in front of the packed-out stands we&#8217;re used to seeing for the men&#8217;s race, where fans have to be turned away because the velodrome is full hours before the finish.<\/p>\n<p>Getting more eyes and fervour on the women&#8217;s race is absolutely a great thing, and I&#8217;m really excited to see the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre and the velodrome buzzing with excitement for the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-ae4aff1a-0505-4892-9c82-defe93ecd9b1\">\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\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DVse7QKXjAojYbsfHDBEv8-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Crowds are a big part of the mythical atmosphere of Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-31e1b973-77cf-4cc6-97fb-feebcfb0b61d\">There is, however, one minor downside to all of this, which a few commentators have raised this week, and that&#8217;s fan behaviour. We saw at the Tour of Flanders how the drinking culture at the Classics can spill into incidents, like a portion of the crowd knocking a barrier into the road on the Oude Kwaremont on Sunday, and we&#8217;ve seen similar alcohol-fuelled raucousness at Roubaix.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/SENYq3cAranrr2cSVGCWi4-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">New name, new route, new winners? \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Ronde Van Brugge<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PACLdHPKo4sTYMb2q7yNZa-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PACLdHPKo4sTYMb2q7yNZa-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Paris-Roubaix weather forecast \u2013 Rainfall, wind, and temperature details for this Sunday&#8217;s races<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>By placing the women&#8217;s race right at the end of the day, there is a fear that it could face the worst of behaviour from fans who have been drinking all afternoon.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-harder-to-watch-both-on-tv-but-higher-viewing-figures-are-expected-3\">Con: harder to watch both on TV (but higher viewing figures are expected) <\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-a693d780-d511-451a-b345-96c8f99c2bd9\">However, for all that we&#8217;re expecting bigger crowds on the roadside, it&#8217;s going to be a disadvantage to fans at home, who can no longer watch both race broadcasts in full. As the women&#8217;s race hits the first cobbled sectors, the men will be just hitting Mons-en-P\u00e9v\u00e8le \u2013 how do you choose which to watch?<\/p>\n<p>The luxury of the separate race days was that fans and pundits could give their full attention to both races, watching hours of each without distractions, in a way that really helped to deepen the focus on the women&#8217;s race, without having to compete with the men&#8217;s. Unfortunately, that won&#8217;t be the case this year.<\/p>\n<p>The idea is that more viewers will stick around to watch the women&#8217;s finish on TV, and therefore the finish will have high viewing figures, and from evidence of the Tour of Flanders, this does actually work, so that is absolutely a good thing. But higher peak viewing figures might come at the cost of fans missing key parts of both races, which is a shame for a race like Roubaix. It&#8217;s an appeal to a wider audience, possibly at the expense of dedicated women&#8217;s cycling fans.<\/p>\n<p>(There are ways to do this differently on the same day, by the way, like Strade Bianche, where the women&#8217;s race takes place largely in the morning, before the exciting parts of the men&#8217;s race start. But this has its downsides too: an early start for the women, and less of that &#8216;sticking around&#8217; effect for casual viewers.)<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-women-s-race-is-part-of-one-mega-roubaix-festival-3\">Pro: women&#8217;s race is part of one mega Roubaix festival <\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-4e153e0c-3bda-4a0f-b55f-0e45ed32c968\">\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\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/4dQMSkEobaoWUdGgHE6LnJ-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\">The women&#8217;s race has more than earnt the right to have equal billing with the men <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-9b30926c-582c-4cd3-a75e-d15a47b2bd4b\">Similarly to the positive aspect of bigger crowds at the roadside, bringing the races onto the same day helps position the women&#8217;s race as being on the same standing as the men&#8217;s, all part of the same big celebration of Roubaix, not segregated on a different day.<\/p>\n<p>The women have never been part of the Sunday in Hell (Saturday in Hell doesn&#8217;t quite have the same ring to it), and this year they will. There will be joint podiums, extended coverage all day of both races, and they&#8217;ll be brought together like never before.<\/p>\n<p>Forget the logistical impracticalities for a minute, and it is cool to see a women&#8217;s race elevated onto the same platform as the men&#8217;s.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-harder-for-the-media-to-cover-both-to-the-fullest-3\">Con: harder for the media to cover both to the fullest<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3e1d0c0e-d51e-4752-ba69-1fb3a2912621\">I think every journalist&#8217;s heart sank a little bit when we first saw the news that the two Roubaix races would be on the same day in 2026. I&#8217;ve covered both races before, and even on separate days, it is one of the harder races to cover. There are so many storylines, so much chaos, so much to write \u2013 it&#8217;s a really big challenge to get it all and write it all in the few hours after the race finishes. Doing this for two races simultaneously is going to be madness.<\/p>\n<p>The really great thing about having the women&#8217;s race on Saturday is that outlets could have full teams focusing on both races, and dedicate Saturday solely to the women&#8217;s race, with more, better, in-depth coverage often the result.<\/p>\n<p>With most publications not really able to employ double the number of staff for Sunday, attention will be divided after both races. This naturally limits the coverage and depth on both races. Of course, it is doable \u2013 we just did it for all the Flanders Classics \u2013 but separate race days just allow you to do so, so much more, on both races.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-bea82807-c6e1-42bd-a67d-8fd44953f93c\">\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\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UsRjyiFsEPVBfTiXR8P22Z-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\">Media teams will be split across the two races finishing within an hour of each other on Sunday <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-e2520b58-7dba-4859-bd23-9e6867c27074\">Unfortunately, in the world of TV and social media supremacy, the plight of written journalism isn&#8217;t a big concern for ASO, and we are definitely a small cog in the massive machine of Roubaix. But given the chance to read six post-race stories and in-depth analysis on the women&#8217;s race compared to three, I&#8217;m always going to hope for the option that makes better coverage of this sport possible.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"pro-cheaper-to-organise-3\">Pro: cheaper to organise<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-09a872ee-935d-4a1a-8523-16a7f3d4a2dd\">All the other pros aside, this was the actual reason why ASO wanted to combine the race days, and obviously, it is a pro. If saving money makes the women&#8217;s race more viable or allows ASO to spend more money on marketing and prize money, then that is a good thing overall.<\/p>\n<p>To take it to the extreme, I think we&#8217;d all rather have women&#8217;s Roubaix on the Sunday, all cons aside, if the other option was that ASO deemed it too expensive to run at all.<\/p>\n<p>Even though there is more and more money in women&#8217;s cycling each year, in part thanks to Zwift, which sponsors the Tour de France Femmes, and did sponsor Roubaix too until this year, it still doesn&#8217;t quite make the return that men&#8217;s racing does. Losing Zwift as a sponsor for Roubaix probably also contributed to ASO needed to make a saving on the women&#8217;s race.<\/p>\n<p>I wish there were a magic money tree, or that organisers felt compelled to invest and wait for the return; that&#8217;s not always how business works, and sometimes cycling has to be pragmatic. It&#8217;s not the ideal, but if it&#8217;s necessary to keep the race alive, I&#8217;ll accept it.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"con-the-state-of-the-cobbles-3\">Con: the state of the cobbles<\/h2>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-845b7f47-d2ff-4129-8f27-6f16c192ac4d\">\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\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FggpiuhkuLUQKCnK6sVWQk-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\">In wet conditions, four races in one day could equal total carnage <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-a6b361fc-6fbe-4037-ab7c-a55f3160c892\">As I said earlier, the women&#8217;s race will actually be the fourth time a peloton goes over many of the sectors on Sunday, following the junior men, under-23 men and elite men, and this could have real implications for the conditions of the cobbles. Hundreds of riders battering the Carrefour de l&#8217;Arbre is no joke.<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately, there is currently no rain forecast for Sunday, but if there was, and four whole pelotons had to go over the sectors in a matter of hours, some of them could turn into absolute messes. This might not be an issue for this year, but ASO need to keep this in mind if they want to keep all four races on the same day.<\/p>\n<p>For this year, though, we just have to see how it goes \u2013 how the mega Roubaix day works logistically, what the impact is on the coverage, and importantly, how it affects viewership and crowds. For all that there are concerns, it could really work, and we&#8217;ll only find out the answer on Sunday.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-2c4871ad-7d27-4c43-96c9-415b179f10f6\"><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\/the-mens-and-womens-paris-roubaix-are-both-on-the-same-day-this-year-great-plan-for-more-spectators-or-disadvantaging-the-womens-race\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/soSfqPEiQo4KQLbDoXVbGL-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Racing Women&#8217;s Cycling Road The men&#8217;s and women&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix are both on the same day this year \u2013 great plan for more spectators, or disadvantaging the women&#8217;s race? Features By Matilda Price published 10 April 2026 Exploring the pros and cons of holding one mega Roubaix day on Sunday When [&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-1877288","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\/1877288","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=1877288"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1877288\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1877288"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1877288"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1877288"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}