Analysis by Diego Martín (@martinthecaleb)

ANALYSIS OF THE PARIS ROUBAIX FEMMES 2026 COURSE

• Schedule: 14:35 pm - 18:10 pm (UCT+2 Madrid)

The Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026 maintains its characteristic format with a start in Denain and finish at the iconic Roubaix velodrome. The total mileage is slightly reduced to 143 km, compared to 148.5 in the 2025 edition. The general structure does not change, with an initial approach section and progressive chaining of key sectors in the second half.

The total number of cobblestone sections is 21, accumulating more than 33 km of cobbles. This is a slight increase compared to 2025. There are three more sections at the start, and 4.5 km more of cobblestones. It may seem like the big difference lies in small changes at the start of the route, but it could be read as something more.

Paris Roubaix Femmes 2026: a prelude to an edition with the Arenberg?

Since the first edition of Paris Roubaix Femmes in 2021, the same complaint has persisted. When will the Arenberg Forest be included? The answer or presumed justification has always been resolute. It is too close to the start in Denain, and would be extremely dangerous for a compact and not excessively fatigued peloton to face the start of the cobbled section (downhill) at high speeds.

The reality is that in 2026, the first two cobbled sections come after 30 and 36 km. A notable difference. In previous years, like 2024 and 2025, the first section didn't come until 66 km had passed. Coincidence? I don't think so. It seems to be a paradigm shift, similar to the women's race being held on the same day as the men's. The first real test will arrive with the third cobbled section. After 52 km, the cyclists will face a 2.5 km section between Haveluy and Wallers, rated 4 stars. This appears to be a genuine test, not only to start defining the race but to decide if the Arenberg is a utopian dream or a reality. Whether the true icon of the Hell of the North also has a place in the women's race.

After this segment, debuting in the race, the peloton will head to the 4-star section between Hornaing and Wandignies. This 3.7 km section has been a regular in previous years and the usual beginning of hostilities or difficulties for the peloton. From there, it follows the exact route of the previous two years.

Paris Roubaix Femmes 2026: all the cobbled sections

#	Section	Km to Finish	Length	Difficulty
20	Troisvilles → Inchy	~112 km	0.8 km	★★
19	Saulzoir → Verchain-Maugré	~105 km	1.2 km	★★
18	Haveluy → Wallers	~90 km	2.5 km	★★★★
17	Hornaing → Wandignies	~85 km	3.7 km	★★★★
16	Warlaing → Brillon	~78 km	2.4 km	★★★
15	Tilloy → Sars-et-Rosières	~74 km	2.4 km	★★★★
14	Beuvry-la-Forêt → Orchies	~68 km	1.4 km	★★★
13	Orchies	~63 km	1.7 km	★★★
12	Auchy-lez-Orchies → Bersée	~56 km	2.7 km	★★★★
11	Mons-en-Pévèle	~50 km	3 km	★★★★★
10	Mérignies → Avelin	~45 km	0.7 km	★★
9	Pont-Thibault → Ennevelin	~40 km	1.4 km	★★★
8	Templeuve (L'Épinette)	~38 km	0.2 km	★
7	Templeuve (Moulin-de-Vertain)	~36 km	0.5 km	★★
6	Cysoing → Bourghelles	~32 km	1.3 km	★★★
5	Bourghelles → Wannehain	~30 km	1.1 km	★★★
4	Camphin-en-Pévèle	~18 km	1.8 km	★★★★
3	Carrefour de l’Arbre	~17 km	2.1 km	★★★★★
2	Gruson	~15 km	1.1 km	★★
1	Willems → Hem	~10 km	1.4 km	★★
0	Roubaix (Espace Charles Crupelandt)	~1 km	0.3 km	★

Key Paris Roubaix Femmes 2026: most important sections

It's true that the Arenberg Forest, even when absent, takes up a lot of attention. Or at least sets the conversation's tone. It's a holy place, consecrated in cycling, where the race is lost or begins to be lost. That's one of the virtues or peculiarities of this race. The negative delimitation. Not so much where the race is won but where it is lost or begins to be lost. The possibility of winning is usually limited to a few who haven't made critical mistakes and whom fortune has smiled upon.

But undoubtedly, of those present, there are two sections that gain fame: Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l’Arbre. These are the 5-star sectors of this race, and each can be definitive on its own. But they are also well accompanied by two 4-star sections: Auchy-lez-Orchies-Bersée and Camphin-en-Pévèle, respectively. Yet you know that the race can be decided thanks to an attack or attacks on the roads between sections. Pauline Ferrand-Prévót reminded us of this again in 2025.

The finale remains practically unchanged compared to 2025: the last major decisive point, the Carrefour de l’Arbre, is about 17 km from the finish, leaving a very demanding final stretch where it is still possible to widen gaps or close them before entering the velodrome. However, with the change at the start, the accumulation of fatigue in this edition may be slightly higher than in previous editions. This could make the race even more selective before the final section.

THE WEATHER

No downpours are expected in the Paris Roubaix Femmes 2026, but mud or surface moisture from the previous day's rain might be present during the race, with the consequent increased technical difficulty and risk on the cobblestones. There is no forecast of rain during the race hours. Although this could change, we must stay alert to last-minute forecasts.

The wind is not expected to be crucial, as it is not expected to be very intense. For most of the race, the wind will blow fully (or almost) in favor, with an average intensity of 15 km/h and gusts of 30-35 km/h.

PARTICIPANTS IN THE PARIS ROUBAIX FEMMES 2026

FAVORITES FOR THE PARIS ROUBAIX FEMMES 2026

Introduction

We arrive at the third and penultimate Monument held in the women's calendar. We are still digesting what happened at De Ronde, in the Tour of Flanders, and already have another of those days marked in red on the cyclists' and fans' calendars.

History

In its early days, Paris Roubaix Femmes was the domain of Lidl-Trek. Their historic double in the first two editions with Lizzie Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini – and the double on the third podium step – and the sensations and dominance shown in the race established the American team's cyclists as queens of the Hell of the North.

Then came the surprise edition. Canadian Alison Jackson proved that her talents went beyond dancing on TikTok to mastering the cobblestones. Until then, Lotte Kopecky and SD Worx were hopefuls who struggled on the way to the Roubaix velodrome. 2024 was their redemption. And 2025 brought another surprise. Although not initially in the plans, her presence was fruitful. On her return to the road, Frenchwoman Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma | Lease a Bike) captured one of the most prestigious races before cementing her name in jaune. What will this year's edition bring?

Race scenarios

The initial change in the route may have gone unnoticed, but it can determine the cyclists' legs and strength in the final part. For the first time, the first section will come after less than an hour of racing, and it is undoubtedly not simple. It is a first litmus test. It will be a key moment where positioning will be crucial, and efforts will begin to accumulate.

It is difficult to predict if this cobbled section will significantly break the race. It doesn't seem likely. Normally, this first and the second segments stretch the field. Whips, changes of pace before and after the sections. And with that, efforts begin to accumulate. The real test will arrive with the third cobbled section. After 52 km, the cyclists will face a 2.5 km section in Haveluy. Debuting in the race, it may be the hinge section that opens the door to the coveted Arenberg in Paris Roubaix Femmes. Or that closes it.

But surely, the leading groups that tackle the Hornaing-Wandignies sector will do so differently than in the previous edition. We might see individual battles from even further out in this edition, spurred by the additional fatigue from these new sections, more regrouping due to lack of agreement or cross interests than in previous years, or a large group reaching the Roubaix velodrome.

And therefore, who will claim the coveted cobblestone? Both sprinters and classic specialists, strong riders, and some superstars are the ones who have raised their arms at the Roubaix velodrome.

Favorites for Their Speed

The Dutch Lorena Wiebes (SD Worx-Protime) is the big favorite in the odds. If she reaches the velodrome leading the race, anything but a victory would be a surprise. Despite having a good season and being one of the best of the year, her approach to the Paris Roubaix Femmes was better and more prolific last year. A key factor will be the number of teammates she has in the decisive part of the race. Without them, it's possible she or Kopecky will have to sacrifice their options, and we know that on some occasions, SD Worx hasn't managed to handle this to their advantage.

Italian Letizia Borghesi (AG Insurance - Soudal) isn't in many predictions as a favorite, but she should be. She has shown great performance in classics and cobbles. She still needs to improve a bit on resistance to consecutive efforts on walls or climbs with the best, but in cobblestone sections, she can be among the chosen ones. Her good speed makes her a candidate for victory in Roubaix.

Marianne versus Vos

The Dutch Marianne Vos (Visma-Lease a Bike) is undoubtedly a favorite whenever she pins on a number. She arrives in Roubaix after a four-week hiatus due to her father's worsening condition and passing. It’s easy to think that Vos hasn't been able or wanted to train as planned. But even so, she is a unique cyclist not to be dismissed.

Some might say the goal of achieving a victory to honor her father could give her wings. Others might say that this motivation could cause distractions, and distractions in the Hell of the North cause mishaps that take you out of the race. Either way, Vos is capable of anything, and if she's on the start line, it's to compete for one of the few races she has yet to claim in her vast palmarès.

Other British Speed Contenders

There are other women with notable speed and ability in classics and cobblestone sections that we must highlight. Especially, two British women capture our attention. Zoe Bäckstedt (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto) arrives in Roubaix ready to emulate her father. In 2025, she showed she looks like a star, especially in time trials. But her Belgian classic season is a pleasant sensation. It seems her peak form and where she wants to stake her claim is in Roubaix.

The other Briton we indicated also needs no introduction: Cat Ferguson (Movistar). Her father didn't win Roubaix nor managed Manchester United, but the Englishwoman seems focused on developing herself as a classics specialist with the best pedigree. Her 2025 was very good for a neo-rider. In 2026 she is stepping up and exudes a tranquility in the race—perhaps not really—that is impressive. Tranquility is what you seek in a race where wasting energy prematurely can scupper your chances in the decisive section or sprint.

Other Competing Sprinters

Elisa Balsamo (Lidl-Trek) is not having a great start to the year. The Italian is one of the great sprinters yet to taste victory in 2026. Her sprints are not as powerful or good as we would expect. Perhaps this is due to a shift in preparation focus towards another race profile. We should not dismiss her in Roubaix.

Her Italian compatriot Chiara Consonni (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto) is another sprinter we must consider a candidate in Roubaix. She has done well in previous years and is arriving in a good moment. Above all, she is avoiding crashes and apparently illnesses. She is another contender to keep very present.

Some sprinters to watch, although a step below those mentioned already, include the Irish Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ), Belgian Shari Bossuyt (AG Insurance - Soudal), or American Lily Williams (Human Powered Health).

The Superclass Favorites for Paris Roubaix Femmes 2026

Former Winners: 2023 Surprise

It is often said winning Paris Roubaix Femmes changes your life. Maybe not so much. But it does change others' perceptions or how they describe you. The Canadian Alison Jackson (St Michel - Preference Home - Auber93) deserves a say. She was a good, combative cyclist with speed and some victories, but April 8, 2023, changed everything.

Her usual social media dances became even more viral after her Roubaix victory. Also, because when not one of the big favorites wins, but someone more modest does, we get a feeling of shared moral happiness. The collective emotion we feel when someone modest wins is a shared moral joy—a feeling that, for once, life or reality has rewarded effort over power and returned meaning to the idea or sometimes crumpled talisman of justice.

She is not one of the top favorites to defend her title, but she is a contender to consider. She excels in this race, has speed, and is one of those cyclists who performs better when conditions are worse. If the day ends badly, she is one of us.

Former Winners: 2024 and 2025

Belgian Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx-Protime) redeemed herself a year after Jackson. Her victory came in an agonizing four-way sprint. She's not at the level we saw a few years ago, at least comparatively, but she is an ideal cyclist for this type of race with enviable speed. Hence, she’s one of the favorites. When she seemed "off," she managed to win in Flanders. Will she add another cobblestone?

Frenchwoman Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma | Lease a Bike) was last season's revelation. Her victory was a surprise. She's a superclass, but we didn't expect her to win the two major ASO races of the year—in the manner she did. It's difficult for her to enjoy the surprise factor she had in 2025 again, yet she maintained almost 30 km of effort. Given her Flanders performance a week ago and the Vos option, we shouldn't dismiss that she could repeat her feat.

Other Top Cyclists

American Chloé Dygert (CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto) is an extraordinary talent capable of winning this race. After her crash and injuries in Australia, she missed almost the entire spring. Still, her result in Flanders is promising. Flanders is not a race where she has shown her best version until now. That's why we have hopes for the Paris Roubaix Femmes.

We know there's still a way to see the best Dygert, who has faced hurdles—obstacles—since her Imola accident, but meanwhile, she continues to forge ahead relentlessly. If she can stay in leading positions, both in a finish or an attack, she is one of the cyclists to fear. She doesn’t stop until she faints. And we must take that into account and appreciate it.

German Franziska Koch (FDJ United-SUEZ) is the sensation of the year. She’s been working for others, but this is one of the first races where she might enjoy a bit more individual freedom. There are no climbs, but there’s toughness in every section, before and after, and the German has been a team pillar. Her good speed makes her a candidate in Roubaix.

Other Great Rouleurs Candidates

British Pfeiffer Georgi (Picnic PostNL) is another contender for victory in the Paris Roubaix Femmes. She's always present in the classics but lacks a little, a small jump or step, to be a true contender in them. But in Roubaix, she has already been on the podium and close other times; she can believe it.

Swiss Elise Chabbey (FDJ United-SUEZ) is an intangible. She's almost always in the fight but barely has any major wins on her record. But in a one-day race, she is a cyclist to watch closely. Her attacks might not be the most explosive, but they are relentless. Maybe some undulation or bump in the course would suit her better, but she's a cyclist who can exploit this route and try to spring a surprise from afar.

As can the Dutch Lucinda Brand and Shirin van Anrooij (Lidl-Trek). Two great rouleurs candidates to seek a Houdini-like escape. Or Hungarian Blanka Vas (SD Worx-Protime) if ever given the chance to work for herself instead of Wiebes or Kopecky.

Surprise Cards for Paris Roubaix Femmes 2026

Paris-Roubaix Femmes with a more open finish to a wider number of favorites than other races, but a huge surprise is difficult. Yet sometimes it happens. 2023 was a surprise to some extent.

In this sense, we should mention some cyclists capable of surprising, being second or third options for their teams, or springing a surprise from more modest teams. Such cyclists include Danish Amalie Dideriksen (Cofidis), Swiss Linda Zannetti, or Norwegian Susanne Andersen (Uno-X Mobility), Danish Emma Norsgaard Bjerg (Lidl-Trek), Dutch Amber Kraak (FDJ United-SUEZ), Australian Ruby Roseman-Gannon (Liv AlUla Jayco), Luxembourgish Nina Berton (EF Education-Oatly), British Millie Couzens (Fenix-Premier Tech), or Russian Alena Ivanchenko (UAE Team ADQ).

Concerning some -very- surprising cards, taking advantage of a -perhaps- possible early break, we could cite some young prospects like Frenchwoman Ilona Rouat (Ma Petite Entreprise) or Belgian Katrijn De Clercq (Lotto Intermarché), or not so young like French Justine Gegu (Mayenne Monbana My Pie), Dutch Marjolein van 't Geloof(Laboral Kutxa - Fundación Euskadi), Spanish Alicia González (St Michel - Preference Home - Auber93) or Dutch Sophie von Berswordt (VolkerWessels).