Paris-Roubaix 2026 official start list: All 175 riders confirmed for the 'Hell of the North'

The 123rd edition of Paris-Roubaix is set to take place this Sunday, featuring a full start list of 175 riders, including some of the sport’s biggest names. Defending champion Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Premier Tech aims to make history by securing a fourth consecutive victory, a feat never before achieved in this iconic race. His main rival is Tadej Pogačar, the current world champion riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, who is chasing the only Monument missing from his palmarès and could become the first rider ever to hold all five Monument titles simultaneously. Alongside Van der Poel and Pogačar, the start list includes two other former Paris-Roubaix winners: Dylan van Baarle, the 2022 champion now with Soudal Quick-Step, and John Degenkolb, who triumphed in 2015 and races for Team Picnic PostNL. The line-up spans a wide range of teams and talents, with notable riders such as Wout van Aert, Filippo Ganna, and Mads Pedersen also set to compete. This depth of competition promises an intense and unpredictable race across the challenging cobbled sectors of northern France. The narrative surrounding the race is rich with potential milestones. Van der Poel’s pursuit of a fourth straight win would cement his dominance on the cobbles, while Pogačar’s ambition to complete the Monument set adds a compelling subplot. Their rivalry has already captured significant attention, with last year’s runner-up Pogačar eager to improve on his debut performance. The presence of multiple former champions and strong contenders further elevates the stakes, making Paris-Roubaix 2026 a highly anticipated event in the cycling calendar. Looking ahead, the race’s outcome could have lasting implications for the careers of both Van der Poel and Pogačar, as well as for the prestige of their respective teams. A victory for either rider would not only enhance their individual legacies but also influence team dynamics and strategies in upcoming classics and Grand Tours. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the riders navigate the punishing terrain and tactical challenges that define the ‘Hell of the North’.