Van Aert Conquers Roubaix Chaos, Outsprints Pogačar in Hell of the North

Wout van Aert secured a long-awaited victory at the 123rd edition of Paris-Roubaix, out-sprinting Tadej Pogačar in a dramatic finale on the Roubaix velodrome. The race lived up to its reputation as the Hell of the North, featuring a brutal 259-kilometre course with thirty cobbled sectors that tested riders’ endurance and resilience. After a day marked by mechanical issues and crashes, van Aert and Pogačar emerged as the dominant duo, distancing themselves from the rest of the field in the closing stages. The race was shaped significantly by punctures and mishaps, particularly affecting key contenders. Pogačar suffered a puncture early on that forced him to chase back to the leading group, even briefly riding a neutral service bike. Mathieu van der Poel endured multiple punctures in the Arenberg Forest sector, which dropped him well behind and ended his hopes of a fourth Roubaix victory. Despite his setbacks, van der Poel managed to finish fourth, highlighting the attritional nature of the event where survival was as crucial as strength. The decisive move came with around 60 kilometres remaining, when van Aert launched an attack that Pogačar matched, creating a leading pair that would contest the win. Attempts by Pogačar to shake van Aert over the iconic cobbled sectors Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l’Arbre were unsuccessful, with the Belgian rider remaining firmly on his rival’s wheel. The tactical battle culminated in a sprint on the Roubaix velodrome, where van Aert timed his effort perfectly, launching a powerful attack in the final half-lap that Pogačar could not respond to. Van Aert’s victory represents a significant milestone in his career, finally conquering one of cycling’s most challenging Monuments after several near misses. Pogačar’s second place, his first defeat of the 2026 season, confirms his growing prowess on the cobbles and his potential to contend in future editions. Meanwhile, the chaotic race conditions underscored the unpredictable and punishing nature of Paris-Roubaix, where mechanical misfortune can be as decisive as physical form. Jasper Stuyven rounded out the podium in third, while van der Poel’s resilience earned him a respectable fourth despite a day marred by bad luck.