Defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot to race Paris-Roubaix Femmes alongside Marianne Vos in last-minute programme change

Defending Paris-Roubaix Femmes champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot will return to the iconic cobbled classic this spring alongside teammate Marianne Vos, following a last-minute change to Visma-Lease a Bike’s race programme. Initially, Ferrand-Prévot had planned to forgo Roubaix to focus on the Ardennes Classics and allow Vos to lead the team. However, after finishing second at the Tour of Flanders and with Vos missing that race due to the recent death of her father, the French rider hinted at the possibility of joining the start line in Denain once again. Marianne Vos’s participation marks a poignant return after a difficult period of mourning. The Dutch star has spoken openly about the emotional challenge of losing her father, who was a significant supporter throughout her career. Despite this, Vos has found solace in cycling and expressed her determination to give her all at Roubaix, a race she describes as both brutal and uniquely beautiful. Her motivation to compete remains strong, and she is eager to help her team contend for victory. Ferrand-Prévot’s late call-up is not expected to hinder her chances, given her remarkable 2025 win came after a similarly uncertain build-up. She arrives at Roubaix in good form, having recently demonstrated strong power output at the Tour of Flanders, though she notes her climbing ability may currently be less sharp due to altitude training. Her threshold power, however, is well-suited to the demanding cobbled sectors of Roubaix, making her a formidable contender to defend her title or support Vos’s bid for a first win at the race. Visma-Lease a Bike’s squad for Paris-Roubaix Femmes will also include riders Lieke Nooijen, Nienke Veenhoven, Daniek Hengeveld, and Margaux Vigié, rounding out a strong line-up. The team’s dual leadership of Ferrand-Prévot and Vos highlights their ambition to challenge for the top honours in one of women’s cycling’s most prestigious one-day events. Their participation adds an emotional and competitive edge to this year’s edition, with both riders eager to make their mark after a turbulent start to the season.