The sixth annual Paris-Roubaix Femmes is scheduled to commence on Sunday, aligning with the men's event for the first time in its history. This year's competition will see 123 elite cyclists vying for victory across the challenging cobblestone routes. Notably, the reigning champion, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, initially considered opting out but has ultimately committed to defending her prestigious title. She will face formidable opposition from former champions Lotte Kopecky and Alison Jackson, alongside a strong field of international talent, promising a thrilling and unpredictable race.
Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026: The Anticipated Race and Its Contenders
The prestigious Paris-Roubaix Femmes, renowned for its challenging cobbled sections, is poised for its sixth edition this Sunday. In a significant development, the women's race will, for the first time, take place on the same day as its male counterpart, amplifying the excitement for cycling enthusiasts globally. Just four days before the race, an unexpected announcement came from last year's victor, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot of Visma-Lease a Bike. Despite previous indications of a different racing schedule, she confirmed her participation, setting the stage for a compelling title defense.
The historical challenge of the event is highlighted by the fact that no female rider has ever secured a second victory in this demanding race. Ferrand-Prévot, therefore, aims to make history, but her path to glory is anything but clear. She will contend with a stellar lineup of former champions and top-tier talent. Among the fiercest rivals are Lotte Kopecky from SD Worx-Protime and Alison Jackson representing St Michel - Preference Home - Auber93, both of whom have tasted success on these very cobbles. Their presence guarantees an intense battle for supremacy.
The race will begin in Denain with a field of 123 riders. While most teams will field their maximum allowance of six cyclists, two teams will compete with reduced rosters. UAE Team ADQ will start with four riders due to Sofie van Rooijnen's training incident, and Ma Petite Entreprise will compete with five. The full roster of participating teams and their riders includes:
- Visma-Lease a Bike: Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Marianne Vos, Daniek Hengeveld, Nienke Veenhoven, Lieke Nooijen, Margaux Vigié
- SD Worx-Protime: Lotte Kopecky, Barbara Guarischi, Lorena Wiebes, Julia Kopecký, Blanka Vas, Femke Markus
- AG Insurance-Soudal: Letizia Borghesi, Shari Bossuyt, Gladys Verhulst-Wild, Marthe Goossens, Ilse Pluimers, Alana Castrique
- FDJ United-SUEZ: Elise Chabbey, Franziska Koch, Célia Géry, Vittoria Guazzini, Amber Kraak, Jade Wiel
- St Michel - Preference Home - Auber93: Alison Jackson, Clémence Chéreau, Alicia González, Karolina Kumięga, Elyne Roussel, Caroline Wreszin
- Canyon-SRAM zondacrypto: Zoë Bäckstedt, Chiara Consonni, Tiffany Cromwell, Chloé Dygert, Rosa Maria Klöser, Maria Martins
- UAE Team ADQ: Megan Jastrab, Febe Jooris, Lara Gillespie, Alena Ivanchenko
- Lidl-Trek: Elisa Balsamo, Emma Norsgaard Bjerg, Clara Copponi, Shirin van Anrooij, Lucinda Brand, Lauretta Hanson
- Fenix-Premier Tech: Charlotte Kool, Millie Couzens, Mylène de Zoete, Evy Kuijpers, Flora Perkins, Marthe Truyen
- Movistar: Cat Ferguson, Carys Lloyd, Floortje Mackaij, Arlenis Sierra, Aude Biannic, Laura Ruiz Pérez
- Team Picnic PostNL: Pfeiffer Georgi, Rachele Barbieri, Robyn Clay, Mia Griffin, Lucie Fityus, Josie Nelson
- Liv AlUla Jayco: Jeanne Korevaar, Noä Jansen, Quinty Ton, Georgia Baker, Ruby Roseman-Gannon, Mackenzie Coupland
- EF Education-Oatly: Nina Berton, Auke De Buysscher, Mirre Knaven, Alexis Magner, Caoimhe O'Brien, Alexandra Volstad
- Cofidis: Amalie Dideriksen, Martina Alzini, Marion Borras, Kristýna Burlová, Valentine Fortin, Nadia Quagliotto
- Human Powered Health: Maggie Coles-Lyster, Jente Koops, Wiktoria Pikulík, Katia Ragusa, Kathrin Schweinberger, Lily Williams
- Uno-X Mobility: Linda Zanetti, Laura Tomasi, Kamilla Aasebø, Anniina Ahtosalo, Susanne Andersen, Teuntje Beekhuis
- Lotto Intermarché: Julie Brouwers, Ilken Seynave, Sterre Vervloet, Katrijn De Clercq, Lea Lin Teutenberg, Linda Riedmann
- VolkerWessels: Sophie von Berswordt, Meis Poland, Scarlett Souren, Vera Tieleman, Lonneke Uneken, Amber van der Hulst
- Ma Petite Entreprise: Alison Avoine, Noémie Abgrall, Margot Marasco, Ilona Rouat, Léa Stern
- Laboral Kutxa-Fundación Euskadi: Irati Aranguren, Idoia Eraso, Arianna Fidanza, Sara Fiorin, Cristina Tonetti, Marjolein van 't Geloof
- Mayenne Monbana My Pie: Justine Gegu, Fiona Mangan, Jenaya Francis, Allison Mrugal, Natalie Quinn, Constance Valentin
The Paris-Roubaix Femmes continues to grow in stature and excitement. The decision to run it alongside the men's race underscores its increasing prominence in professional cycling. With former champions returning and a strong field of new talent, the 2026 edition promises to be a memorable showcase of resilience, strategy, and sheer determination on the iconic cobbled roads. It’s a testament to the growth of women's cycling and offers fans an unparalleled spectacle of grit and athletic prowess.