Paris-Roubaix Men: Wout van Aert edges out Tadej Pogačar to claim his first cobbled Monument victory in thrilling finale after both riders deal with punctures and bike changes

Wout van Aert secured a dramatic and hard-fought victory at the 123rd edition of Paris-Roubaix, edging out Tadej Pogačar in a thrilling two-up sprint finish. Both riders endured punctures and bike changes throughout the race, but Van Aert’s decisive attack in the twelfth cobbled sector alongside Pogačar proved race-defining. The pair entered the iconic Roubaix Velodrome together, where Van Aert, drawing on his preparation and experience, outpaced the World Champion to claim his first cobbled Monument win, marking the second Monument victory of his career. The race was marked by relentless challenges and mechanical misfortune for many favourites, including three-time winner Mathieu van der Poel, who suffered a puncture in the notorious Trouée d’Arenberg sector. Van der Poel’s valiant efforts to chase back into contention added to the race’s drama, but ultimately he finished behind Jasper Stuyven, who claimed third place from the chasing group. The relentless pace set by UAE Team Emirates and Visma-Lease a Bike highlighted the tactical intensity of the day, with Pogačar and Van Aert demonstrating remarkable resilience despite their setbacks. Van Aert dedicated his victory to the memory of his late former teammate Michael Goolaerts, who tragically died during the 2018 edition of Paris-Roubaix. Reflecting on his triumph, Van Aert described the win as the culmination of years of perseverance and hard work, emphasising the emotional significance of achieving a long-held goal under such challenging conditions. He praised Pogačar’s strength and acknowledged the immense difficulty of prevailing in a sprint against the reigning World Champion, highlighting the mutual respect between the two riders. The race unfolded under favourable weather conditions, with dry roads and tailwinds contributing to a fast and aggressive contest. Early attempts to form breakaways were neutralised, and the peloton remained intact until the cobbled sectors began to take their toll. Pogačar’s punctures and bike swaps forced UAE Team Emirates to mount a determined chase, while Van Aert’s leadership in key sectors, particularly the Arenberg Forest, set the stage for the final showdown. The unpredictable nature of Paris-Roubaix, with its mechanical hazards and tactical battles, once again underscored why it remains one of cycling’s most revered and challenging Monuments. Looking ahead, Van Aert’s victory not only cements his status among the elite classics riders but also adds further intrigue to the ongoing rivalry with Pogačar, who had been seeking a historic fifth consecutive Monument win. The race’s outcome will undoubtedly influence team strategies and rider ambitions in the upcoming classics season, as well as in the broader context of the WorldTour calendar. Paris-Roubaix’s blend of endurance, skill, and sheer willpower continues to captivate fans and riders alike, promising more memorable battles in future editions.