The anticipation is building as the cycling world gears up for the prestigious Paris-Roubaix 2025, set to take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025. Known as the "Hell of the North," this iconic race promises to deliver thrilling action as riders tackle the grueling 259.2 kilometers of cobbled sections. Starting in Compiègne at 11:10 AM, the race will feature 30 challenging cobbled sections, including the notorious Bos van Wallers and Carrefour de l’Arbre, before culminating on the velodrome in Roubaix.
This year's edition has attracted a star-studded lineup, with reigning world champion Tadej Pogacar and two-time winner Mathieu van der Poel leading the charge. Both riders are considered top contenders, each looking to etch their names into the storied history of this classic race. Pogacar, who weighs around 66 kilograms, will be making his debut on the cobbles, and while he has shown remarkable form in recent races, analysts have raised concerns about his weight being a disadvantage on the flat and demanding sections.
"Tadej Pogacar is the big favorite for Paris-Roubaix," stated Adrie van der Poel, emphasizing the Slovenian's potential. However, former winner Matthew Hayman expressed skepticism about Pogacar's chances, citing his lighter weight as a possible hindrance. "He can make up for it with class, but I think he will struggle against the likes of Mathieu, Wout, and Filippo," Hayman noted.
Mathieu van der Poel, who has won the last two editions of Paris-Roubaix, is expected to be a formidable opponent. Despite a challenging Ronde van Vlaanderen, where he faced setbacks due to a fall and illness, he is anticipated to return to form for this race. "I expect a better Van der Poel in Paris-Roubaix," said cycling analyst Sep Vanmarcke. Van der Poel's experience and familiarity with the cobbled roads could give him the edge he needs to secure another victory.
Wout van Aert also enters the race as a strong contender. His performance in previous races has been impressive, but he faced misfortune during his last Paris-Roubaix appearance in 2023, suffering a flat tire at Carrefour de l’Arbre. "He needs to avoid bad luck this time around," noted Vanmarcke. With the right circumstances, van Aert could very well find himself in contention for the win.
Mads Pedersen, who has shown exceptional form, particularly in Gent-Wevelgem, is another name to watch. His ability to perform in tough conditions makes him a serious threat on the cobbles. The presence of other strong riders, such as Filippo Ganna and Jasper Philipsen, adds to the competitive landscape of this year’s race.
The route for Paris-Roubaix 2025 features a few modifications compared to previous years, with the addition of new cobbled sections that could alter the dynamics of the race. The first significant stretch of cobbles appears after just 95.8 kilometers, beginning with the Troisvilles to Inchy section. The organizers have also made adjustments to the approach to the Bos van Wallers to enhance safety and manage speed as riders enter the treacherous cobbles.
As the race day approaches, weather conditions are a concern, with forecasts predicting rain in both Compiègne and Roubaix. An 85% chance of precipitation in Compiègne and a 75% chance in Roubaix means that the riders will have to navigate not only the challenging cobbles but also potentially slippery conditions. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 18 degrees Celsius, adding another layer of complexity to the race.
Fans can catch all the action live on NOS (NPO1), Sporza (VRT1), and Eurosport 1, ensuring that no moment of this thrilling contest is missed. With the excitement building, the cycling community is ready to witness who will emerge victorious in this year's Paris-Roubaix.
As the riders prepare to face the grueling challenge ahead, the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. Will Tadej Pogacar make history by adding Paris-Roubaix to his impressive resume, or will Mathieu van der Poel extend his dominance in this classic race? The answer will unfold on the cobbles of Northern France, where legends are made and dreams can be dashed in an instant.
