Paris-Roubaix 2025 Preview 🇫🇷 🚴♂️
A preview for the 122nd edition of 'The Hell of the North' which is set to be another epic battle in one of cycling's most iconic races.
The 122nd edition of Paris-Roubaix is set to take place on Sunday, 13 April, beginning just outside of Paris in Compiègne and concluding 259.2 kilometres later on the iconic Roubaix Velodrome. Known as ‘The Hell of the North’, Paris Roubaix is one of cycling’s oldest and most prestigious races and the second of two major cobbled monuments. It tail ends the ‘Holy Week’ of cycling, which was kicked off last weekend over the border in Belgium with the Tour of Flanders. Paris-Roubaix is a race made famous for the cobblestone sectors or pavé, which are used throughout the race.
Legend of the sport Sean Kelly summarised the race perfectly in his autobiography, “Hunger”, stating, “Paris-Roubaix is a horrible race to ride but the most beautiful one to win.”
The 2025 edition is set to be an epic race with the likes of Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and Tadej Pogačar set to clash with one another after last week’s battle in Flanders which was won by the world champion.
Race Statistics
Most Victories | Roger De Vlaeminck 🇧🇪 and Tom Boonen 🇧🇪 - 4 Times
Most Finishes | George Hincapie 🇺🇸 and Mathew Hayman 🇦🇺 - 16 Times
Youngest Winner | Albert Champion 🇫🇷 (1899) - 20 Years and 362 Days
Oldest Winner | Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle 🇫🇷 (1993) - 38 Years and 229 Days
Most Top 10 Finishes | Roger De Vlaeminck 🇧🇪 - 13 Times
Most Podium Finishes | Roger De Vlaeminck 🇧🇪 - 9 Times
Most Podium Finishes Without Winning | Juan Antonio Flecha 🇪🇸 and Ambroise Garin 🇫🇷 - 3 Times
Fastest Editions
1st 2024 - 47.80 km/h - Mathieu van der Poel 🇳🇱
2nd 2023 - 46.84 km/h - Mathieu van der Poel 🇳🇱
3rd 2022 - 45.79km/h - Dylan Van Baarle 🇳🇱
Longest Solo Victories
1st Albert Dejonghe 🇧🇪 (1922) - 61.6km
2nd Andrei Tchmil 🇧🇪 (1994) - 60km
3rd Mathieu van der Poel 🇳🇱 (2024) - 59.6km
Key Information
Date: 13 April 2025
Start/Finish Locations: Compiège - Roubaix
Race Distance: 259.2km / 161 miles
Cobblestone Distance | 55.7km
The Route
Since 1977, the men’s edition of Paris-Roubaix has begun in Compiègne, northeast of the capital, Paris. Fabian Cancellara won a stage of the Tour de France that finished in the town back in 2007 whilst wearing the yellow jersey. From Compiègne, the riders will travel a monumental distance of 259.2 kilometres, including 55.3 kilometres of cobblestones over 30 different sectors, also known as Pavé.
The first portion of the race, consisting of nearly 100 kilometres of the race does not feature any classified Pavé as the riders head north on the route to Roubaix. Typically, you would assume that not much happens in this period of the race, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. To begin with, there is a huge battle for the breakaway because Paris-Roubaix is arguably the classic which best suits the escapees. The breakaway riders have the advantage of not needing to fight for positioning, leading into every sector of cobbles. Equally, they avoid the risks of crashes or being caught out behind splits, and this often leads to riders from the breakaway being competitive in the latter stages of the race. In some instances, we have even seen riders from the morning breakaway win Paris-Roubaix, such as Mathew Hayman did back in 2016.
Another key element to contend with during the first 100 kilometres is the wind. In many editions, there have been splits in the opening portion of the race before the cobbles begin, and on some occasions, big crashes have occurred taking out key riders. It is safe to say that there are no guarantees that you even make it to the first cobbled sector in the main peloton or even in one piece.
Once the peloton reach 96 kilometres into the race, the main attraction begins, with the Troisvilles to Inchy section having the honor of being first on the menu. It’s actually a very tricky section, standing at 2.2 kilometres in length and in recent editions has shaken out the peloton.
Within the next 50 kilometres, eight more sectors follow, including the four-star Quiévy to Saint-Python, before the next typical key point of the race. The Haveluy to Wallers sector is key, not only for the fact that it is rated four stars, but for what is to follow within 10 kilometres, meaning the pace increases significantly.
The most famous sector in Paris-Roubaix has to be the Trouée d’Arenberg, a.k.a the Forest of Arenberg. The mere mention of this 2.3-kilometre section of cobblestones is enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. It is unique in the sense that the section is dead straight and very narrow, with an extremely difficult and irregular cobblestone surface. Also, until last year’s edition, the peloton would charge onto the sector at outrageously high speeds, and with the first portion slightly downhill, it almost always led to chaos. In this aspect, it is also arguably the most dangerous sector in the entire race, and we have seen races and seasons end here in the past. Last year saw the introduction of a chicane just before the entrance to the forest in an attempt to stretch out the peloton and reduce speeds coming onto the cobblestones.
If you are still in contention at the end of the Arenberg sector, you have done better than most, as the race is often over for many by this point in terms of fighting for victory. A long straight road follows which will give the riders the brief opportunity to assess themselves, their equipment, their opposition and the race situation, as they enter the next phase of the race. The pavé sectors come thick and fast from here on in, providing plenty of opportunities for attacks and equally chances to be dropped from the peloton.
The second of three five-star sectors of the race comes just under 50 kilometres after Arenberg, and it is the Mons-en-Pévèle. This section is 3 kilometres in length and features some rises, falls and two right-angled turns. It has been a key feature of the race since its first inclusion back in 1978 and has been used in every edition since, except 2001. The riders will exit this sector with 48.6 kilometres remaining, with the front of the race likely to have been shredded to pieces at this point.
Seven more pavé sectors follow Mons-en-Pévèle before the final five-star showpiece with 17.1 kilometres remaining, Carrefour de l’Arbre. This sector has served as the setting for many race-winning attacks in the past due to its proximity to the finish in Roubaix. The riders will already have the tough Camphin-en-Pévèle, a four-star sector in their legs, from only a few moments earlier, which makes this section of the race a bit tougher.
When the riders exit the final five-star sector of the race, only 17 kilometres and three relatively tame sectors remain. It becomes very tactical at this point, especially if there is a small group at the front together. Even though the toughest of cobbles are over, there are still plenty of places to attack, meaning the riders must remain vigiliant all of the way on the run-in to the Roubaix Velodrome.
Speaking of which, the riders will enter the iconic velodrome within the final kilometre, where they will complete one and a half laps of the 250m long track, characterised by its concrete bankings. The velodrome has been the showpiece for the race every year since 1943 with a small hiatus from 1986-1988. It’s arguably the most iconic finish in the sport, fitting for one of the most iconic races.
Whoever raises their arms aloft victorious in this pantheon of cycling will immortalise themselves in the history books for eternity and have their name etched into the famous showers located within the velodrome.e
The Weather
Current forecasts indicate that there could be a solid possibility of rain on Sunday which would completely change the dynamics of the race. The last wet edition of Paris-Roubaix in 2021, won by Sonny Colbrelli was one of the most races in recent memory but was also one of the most chaotic. Wet cobblestones are completely different to racing them in the dry, and the race will likely become selective a lot sooner if this turns out to be the case on Sunday.
Cobble Sectors
Here are the 30 cobble sectors that will feature in this year’s Paris-Roubaix in order of distance to the finish. The length of each section and the star ratings are listed. This rating is determined by the official race organisers, with five stars being considered the most difficult of tests, to one star for a town-style cobbled sector.
30 | Troisvilles to Inchy - 2.2km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | (163.km to go)
29 | Viesly to Quiévy - 1.8km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ | (156.9km to go)
28 | Quiévy to Saint-Python - 3.7km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | (154.3km to go)
27 | Saint-Python - 1.5km ⭐️⭐️ (149.6km to go)
26 | Vertain to Saint-Martin-sur-Écaillon - 2.3km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (142.5km to go)
25 | Verchaing-Maugré to Quérénaing - 1.6km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (131.2km to go)
24 | Quérénaing to Artes - 1.3km ⭐️⭐️ (128.3km to go)
23 | Artres to Famars - 1.2km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (125.4km to go)
22 | Quérénaing to Maing - 2.5km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (120.7km to go)
21 | Maing to Monchaux-sur-Écaillon - 1.6km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (117.6km to go)
20 | Haveluy to Wallers - 2.5km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (104.7km to go)
19 | Trouée d’Arenberg - 2.3km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (95.3km to go)
18 | Wallers to Hélesmes - 1.6km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (89.2km to go)
17 | Hornaing to Wandignies - 3.7km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (82.4km to go)
16 | Warlaing to Brillon - 2.4km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (75km to go)
15 | Tilloy to Sars-et-Rosières - 2.4km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (71.5km to go)
14 | Beuvry-la-Forêt to Orchies - 1.4km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (65.1km to go)
13 | Orchies - 1.7km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (60.1km to go)
12 | Auchy-Lez-Orchies to Bersée - 2.7km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (54km to go)
11 | Mons-en-Pévèle - 3km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (48.6km to go)
10 | Mérignies to Avelin - 0.7km ⭐️⭐️ (42.5km to go)
9 | Pont-Thibaut to Ennevelin - 1.4km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (39.2km to go)
8b | Templeuve (L’Épinette) - 0.2km ⭐️ (33.8km to go)
8a | Templeuve (Moulin-de-Vertain) - 0.5km ⭐️ (33.2km to go)
7 | Cysoing to Bourghelles - 1.3km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (26.8km to go)
6 | Bourghelles - Wannehain - 1.1km ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (24.3km to go)
5 | Camphin-en-Pévèle - 1.8km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (19.8km to go)
4 | Carrefour de l’Arbre - 2.1km ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (17.1km to go)
3 | Gruson - 1.1km ⭐️⭐️ (14.8km to go)
2 | Willems to Hem - 1.4km ⭐️⭐️ (8.1km to go)
1 | Roubaix (Espace Charles Crupelandt) - 0.3km ⭐️ (1.4km to go)
Contenders
Tadej Pogačar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) 🇸🇮 🌈
It’s been one of the most anticipated events of the current era of cycling, but it’s finally here. Tadej Pogačar is set to line up at Paris-Roubaix, and in the rainbow jersey no less. The Slovenian has illustrated countless times that he can win at almost anything he puts his hand to, except for Milan San-Remo, although he’s been very close there too. After winning the Tour of Flanders for a second time on Sunday, Pogačar has demonstrated once more that he is one of the greatest riders of all time, but to cement this legacy (mind, he is only 26), he will be craving a cobblestone or two on his trophy cabinet. It seems clear that on paper, Roubaix will be more difficult for Pogačar to win than Flanders due to the lack of climbing. Therefore, the race is less susceptible to being blown apart and the strong classic specialists and rouleurs will be hard to distance on the flat roads and cobbles.
One thing that nobody should doubt coming into this weekend is that Pogačar will attack, attack and attack once more this Sunday, throwing the kitchen sink at this race, in an attempt to win Paris-Roubaix on debut. Also, due to the chaotic nature of the race, and the racing style of Pogačar, it would be no surprise to see the world champion and UAE Team Emirates-XRG try to light the race up as early as possible. Trying to make the race selective early, limits Pogačar’s chances of being involved in a crash or getting caught out in a split or by a counterattack. We saw this work successfully for Pogačar in Zürich last year on his way to becoming world champion, As the saying goes, sometimes the best form of defence is attack, and this seems to be Pogačar’s mantra.
Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 🇳🇱
The flying Dutchman has been supreme in Paris-Roubaix for the past two years and will be aiming to win the eighth monument of his career. In both of those victories, Van der Poel blew the race apart and cruised to victory in dominating fashion. With the inclusion of Pogačar and the form of his competitors, things may be different this year, but this won’t necessarily reduce the Dutchman’s odds significantly.
He seemed to crack towards the end of Flanders on Sunday, but after winning Milan San-Remo, Van der Poel proved he could comfortably match Pogačar on the less hilly terrain. Over the last few seasons, Van der Poel has also proven himself to be a brilliant tactician and has calmed down from the early days when he would attack with 100+ km to go at Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne for example. He will know where to be and when following the right wheels and has the skills to move towards the front when it matters.
Mathieu Van der Poel should be the man to beat for the third year running.
Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) 🇩🇰
Based on his current shape and suitability for Paris-Roubaix, I think that this Sunday is the biggest opportunity of Mads Pedersen’s career so far to win a monument. The former world champion has been remarkably strong all season long and, behind Pogačar and Van der Poel, stood out as a star rider. Perhaps the key to victory this weekend for Pedersen is to not offer so much in terms of working with the likes of Van der Poel and Pogačar, as he can sometimes be too generous with the amount of pulling he does. Alongside loyal teammate Stuyven, Pedersen will be a hard man to drop on the cobbles and an even harder rider to beat in a sprint on the velodrome.
Wout van Aert (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) 🇧🇪
He’s come under plenty of scrutiny so far in 2025, but Wout van Aert’s performance at the Tour of Flanders will have gone a long way to reminding people of what a brilliant rider he is. What was most impressive about Van Aert on Sunday was the fact that he seemed to get stronger as the race went on, whilst others faded. It’s clear that he doesn’t quite possess the same punch that he once did, but that is less significant in Paris-Roubaix compared to Flanders. This race suits the Belgian more on paper, as it’s all about strength rather than climbing and explosivity. Whether or not Van Aert can pull off the big one this weekend, it’s great to see him come into the race as a bona fide contender and his confidence growing again.
Filippo Ganna (INEOS Grenadiers) 🇮🇹
The Italian star has proven that he has what it takes to be competitive in the classics, and arguably Paris-Roubaix is the race that suits him best. You have to be almost alien-like to drop Filippo Ganna on the flat, and that is why the INEOS Grenadiers’s man is a serious contender for a great result. He also has a strong kick in the finish if things were to come down to a reduced group sprint.
Jasper Stuyven (Lidl-Trek) 🇧🇪
The performance of Jasper Stuyven in Flanders seems to have gone well under the radar. To finish 5th and be involved in the final shake-up with the four riders he was with, illustrates that Jasper Stuyven is in incredible shape and is arguably in the best form of his career. As a monument winner already, winning Milan San-Remo in 2021, Stuyven knows what it takes to snatch an opportunity when it arises and he could be the perfect rider to sneak away ala Dylan Van Baarle style.
Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck) 🇧🇪
Jasper Philipsen has finished runner-up in the previous two editions of Paris-Roubaix, and therefore, the Belgian sprint star can’t be ruled out from reaching the podium once more. Alongside Van der Poel and Gianni Vemeersch, among other loyal teammates, Alpecin-Deceuninck possesses a squad of riders who have great chemistry with one another and are willing to sacrifice chances of success for one another. All eyes will be on Van der Poel once more, meaning that Philipsen essentially has a free card to play, by just following the wheels.
Stefan Küng 🇨🇭 (Groupama-FDJ)
Stefan Küng is a former podium finisher at Paris-Roubaix after finishing 3rd back in 2022. The Swiss rider has been very impressive in the 2025 Classics season capped off by competing in the upper echelons of the Tour of Flanders and finishing 7th. He is the type of rider who will try multiple times to attack and is not to be given a gap as he is one of the best time trialists in the world.
Teams
Alpecin-Deceuninck
Mathieu van der Poel has his ever-reliable and underrated Alpecin-Deceuninck teammates by his side, who will help him try to win a third consecutive Paris-Roubaix. Silvan Dillier, Edward Planckaert, Jonas Rickaert and Oscar Riesebeek will be key support. Gianni Vermeersch also thrives at Roubaix, finishing 6th twelve months ago, whilst Jasper Philipsen has finished runner-up behind his teammate for the last two editions. It would be groundbreaking if Alpecin-Deceuninck could replicate the 1-2 finish for a third-year running.
Lidl-Trek
This seems to be the best shape Mads Pedersen has ever been in, and the perfect opportunity to win Paris-Roubaix. Jasper Stuyven should also be in the final shake-up whilst Jonathan Milan is also an option for a sprint if he can stay in contention. Edward Theuns, Tim Declercq, Daan Hoole and Mathias Vacek are also underrated teammates.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG
Tadej Pogačar has a stacked team around him featuring Mikkel Bjerg, Juan Sebastián Molano, António Morgado, and Tim Wellens. Florian Vermeersch and Nils Politt should be most crucial, however, and the duo could even be in the front group come the finale.
Team Visma | Lease a Bike
Wout van Aert and the team’s confidence will have risen after the Belgian’s gutsy and impressively strong ride last week at Flanders. The late inclusion of 19-year-old British future star, Matthew Brennan has many people talking, and it will be fascinating to see what he is capable of. Former winner Dylan Van Baarle is a long way from his best, but can he rediscover his mojo here?
INEOS Grenadiers
Beyond Filippo Ganna, there are plenty of home riders to bank on for the INEOS Grenadiers, featuring none less than Josh Tarling, who could be a serious threat on Sunday due to his raw power. The Swift cousins, Ben and Connor, Ben Turner and Sam Watson are all capable of a good result if they play their cards right too.
Groupama-FDJ
Stefan Küng is the team leader but Lewis Askey or Clément Russo could do a strong ride from the breakaway.
Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
The Van Dijke brothers, Tim and Mick impressed 12 months ago and have ridden solid classics campaigns so far, and the top 10 isn’t out of reach. Laurence Pithie and Jordi Meeus did finish in the top 10 last year and could do so once more.
Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale Team
Oliver Naesen and Stefan Bissegger are both top 10 material on a good day at Paris-Roubaix in 2025.
Uno-X Mobility
Søren Wærenskjold and Alexander Kristoff are fast finishers, giving them a good opportunity of a top 10, whilst Jonas Abrahamsen’s power should shine on this course.
XDS Astana Team
Expect this team to farm as many UCI points as possible in this race, and with the brilliant form of Davide Ballerini, Mike Teunissen, and Yevgeniy Fedorov, they should have a great chance of gaining many.
Soudal Quick-Step Team
Yves Lampaert is a former podium finisher and the inclusion once more of Tim Merlier could be interesting, as we all know of his capabilities in a sprint.
Tudor Pro Cycling Team
Matteo Trentin and Marco Haller are always there or there’s about in the big cobbled classics, so expect more of the same on Sunday.
Cofidis
It would be a surprise if Aimé De Gendt didn't try to get into the break at some point in the race, and if he does, the Belgian can go far.
Bahrain-Victorious
Fred Wright looks in great form and could have a special day on Sunday if things go to plan. There were also promising signs from Matej Mohorič in Flanders too after a difficult start to the season.
Intermarché-Wanty
Biniam Girmay is here on debut, Laurenz Rex finished 9th two years ago before crashing out last time around, and the powerful and combative German, Jonas Rutsch, is an outsider for a top 10.
Arkéa-B&B Hotels
Arnaud Démare, Luca Mozzato and Jenthe Biermans could all feature inside the top 20.
EF Education-EasyPost
Madis Mihkels finished 10th last year, and the Estonian looks in good form once more. Kasper Asgreen hasn’t raced since abandoning Paris-Nice and Owain Doull is a name who could feature in the top 10 from an early move.
Team TotalEnergies
Anthony Turgis is the stand-out rider for this French team and will be hoping to crack the top 10 for the first time. Sandy Dujardin is a quick finisher and could position well as a consequence.
Israel Premier Tech
Riley Sheehan and Riley Pickrell are two young North American talents who have the attributes to ride a strong Roubaix from the early break.
Team Jayco AlUla
German unit Max Walsheid finished 8th two years ago, and Bob Donaldson was runner-up in the Espoirs last year.
Lotto
Alec Segaert is a powerhouse who should thrive on this sort of terrain, and the Belgian is having an under-the-radar classics campaign so far. Cedric Beullens is another interesting rider to watch.
Movistar Team
Iván García Cortina is one of the most underrated riders in the peloton and an established classics rider. He finished 9th in Flanders and will lead the line for the Spanish team on Sunday.
Team Picnic PostNL
It’s a young teamn who will learn a lot here, and the presence of Czech rider Pavel Bittner is intriguing. The 22 year old finished 29th last year.
Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team
Frederik Frison and Jannik Steimle are strong classics riders, Rory Townsend featured in the break in Flanders and Matteo Moschetti finished 3rd in Scheldeprijs on Wednesday.
Unibet Tietema Rockets
Expect to see the blue of Unibet Tietema Rockets swarming towards the front in the early stages during the breakaway formation. If they can get a rider or two in the break, they will be dreaming that it goes a long way and they can fight for a top 10. Lukáš Kubiš is a fast finisher and has impressed in this Classics campaign.
Provisional Startlist
Awesome, super thorough. Can’t wait.