'In hindsight, we probably could have done things differently' – Visma-Lease a Bike had the numbers at Paris-Roubaix Femmes, but couldn't make it count

Marianne Vos came agonisingly close to victory at Paris-Roubaix Femmes, yet once again fell short in a race that has so far eluded her despite multiple near-misses. The Dutch star, widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of all time, finished second for the second time in the event’s five editions. With 50 kilometres remaining, Vos and her Visma-Lease a Bike teammate Pauline Ferrand-Prévot were well positioned at the front alongside German rider Franziska Koch, who ultimately out-sprinted them both to claim the win. The race unfolded with tactical complexity, as Vos and Ferrand-Prévot attempted to shake off Koch but were unable to create a decisive gap. Vos acknowledged that, in hindsight, different decisions might have altered the outcome, though she also praised Koch’s aggressive attacks. Ferrand-Prévot, who joined the race late to support Vos following a personal tragedy, described Koch as stronger in the finale and expressed cautious optimism about Vos’s sprint chances given the race’s intensity. Vos’s preparations for Paris-Roubaix Femmes were overshadowed by the recent passing of her father, Henk, which added an emotional weight to her campaign. Despite the grief, she focused on the race and appreciated the support from her team, especially Ferrand-Prévot, who raced to honour Vos’s late father and provide vital assistance. Vos reflected on the mixed emotions she felt during the race and her determination to continue pursuing victory in the future. The result, while disappointing for Vos, underscored her enduring class and resilience at nearly 39 years old. Her consistent high-level performances at Paris-Roubaix Femmes, combined with the support of a strong team, suggest she remains a formidable contender in one of women’s cycling’s toughest classics. The experience gained and lessons learned from this edition will likely inform Visma-Lease a Bike’s approach in future editions as they seek to convert potential into victory.