As the cycling world turns its gaze towards the legendary cobblestones of northern France, the anticipation for the 2025 edition of Paris-Roubaix is palpable. Scheduled for April 13, 2025, this iconic race promises to deliver yet another thrilling chapter in the annals of cycling history, with both men and women set to showcase their prowess on the challenging terrain.
One week after the Ronde van Vlaanderen, the cycling elite will gather to battle for the coveted Kassei, a title that has become synonymous with grit and determination. Fans can follow the action live on Sporza, with coverage kicking off at 13:30 local time.
Titleholder Mathieu van der Poel is gearing up for the challenge, flanked by a formidable team from Alpecin-Deceuninck. Alongside him are Jasper Philipsen, who finished second in both 2023 and 2024, and Silvan Dillier, a podium finisher in 2018. The rest of the squad features Oscar Riesebeek from the Netherlands, along with Belgian riders Edward Planckaert, Jonas Rickaert, and Gianni Vermeersch. Van der Poel, who has been battling illness, is eager to reclaim his title, stating, "I want to take revenge on the world champion and Roubaix debutant Pogačar."
Speaking of Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation is set to make his debut at Paris-Roubaix, and he is keen to lean on the experience of his teammates. His squad includes Florian Vermeersch, Tim Wellens, Mikkel Bjerg, Sebastian Molano, Antonio Morgado, and Nils Politt. "This is a completely different race. It’s new territory for me, but I’m fully embracing the challenge," Pogačar remarked. He acknowledges the importance of his team's experience, saying, "We have a very strong team, with guys who have a lot of experience. This will be a tough race, but I think with the form I have now, this is the right moment to at least give it a try."
The men's race is set to be a grueling 259.2 kilometers long, featuring 30 cobblestone sections—one more than last year. The initial 95 kilometers serve as a mental buildup before the real action begins with the Troisvilles to Inchy section. New cobblestone sections have been added near Artres, increasing the difficulty right from the start. The legendary Trouée d’Arenberg, located 95 kilometers from the finish line, marks the beginning of the serious challenges ahead. Following this, riders will face the daunting Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l’Arbre, both five-star sections that are known for their ability to determine the race outcome.
On the women's side, the Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025. This race, now in its fifth edition, will cover a distance of 148.5 kilometers, starting in Denain and concluding at the iconic Vélodrome de Roubaix. The women's race features 17 cobblestone sections, with the first stretch from Hornaing to Wandignies being the longest and most challenging. Just like the men, the women will tackle the famous Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l’Arbre sections, which are notorious for their difficulty.
The weather is expected to be favorable for both races, with temperatures soaring to a pleasant 24 degrees Celsius on Saturday, accompanied by a tailwind that could aid the cyclists. The women’s race is slated to start at 13:10 and is expected to finish around 16:58, while the men will take to the roads the following day, starting at 11:10 and aiming for a finish around 17:03.
In the women's competition, all eyes will be on Lotte Kopecky, the defending champion and winner of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, who rides for SD Worx-Protime. She is joined by teammate Lorena Wiebes, who has already claimed victories in major races like Milan-Sanremo and Gent-Wevelgem. The competition promises to be fierce, with strong contenders such as Elisa Balsamo from Lidl-Trek and Alison Jackson, last year's surprise winner, who will be looking to defend her title alongside Letizia Borghesi.
Marianne Vos, a cycling legend yet to claim a Paris-Roubaix victory, is also expected to be a formidable presence, despite recent health setbacks. With her experience and determination, she could very well turn the tide in her favor. The race dynamics will be further complicated by the presence of young talents like Chiara Consonni and Zoe Backstedt, who bring fresh energy to the competition.
As both races draw nearer, the excitement continues to build. With the cobblestones of Roubaix set to test the limits of these athletes, fans can expect a weekend filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. The combination of physical endurance and mental resilience will be key, as the riders navigate the treacherous terrain that has made Paris-Roubaix one of the most revered events in cycling.
Ultimately, whether it’s the men or the women, Paris-Roubaix will once again prove that it is a race where legends are born and dreams are either realized or shattered in an instant. With the cobblestones waiting, the stage is set for an epic showdown that no cycling fan will want to miss.
