When to tune into Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes to catch the most exciting and important cobble sectors

For the first time, Paris-Roubaix Femmes will be held on the same day as the men's Paris-Roubaix, marking a significant milestone in the race’s history. Initially, it was expected that the two events would run simultaneously, forcing fans to choose between watching the high-profile men's duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar or the women's race featuring stars like Lotte Kopecky and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. However, broadcasters have now confirmed that the women's race coverage will begin only after the men's race concludes, meaning there will be no live overlap but also that some key sections of the women’s race, including many cobbled sectors, may not be shown in full. The men’s race starts early at 10:50 CEST and covers 258.3 kilometres, with riders expected to average speeds between 43 and 47 kph. The women’s race, meanwhile, begins at 14:35 CEST, covering 143.1 kilometres at a slightly slower pace of 38 to 42 kph. Broadcasts will run extensively throughout the day, providing fans with over ten hours of racing coverage across various platforms including TNT Sports in the UK, Peacock in the US, and FloBikes in Canada. Despite the staggered schedule, viewers keen to follow both races closely may need to supplement TV coverage with live blogs or other real-time updates to catch all the critical moments. Key cobbled sectors are a highlight of Paris-Roubaix, and timing these is crucial for fans wanting to witness the most exciting parts of both races. The men will reach the iconic Arenberg forest sector around the time the women’s race begins, while the women will be entering their first cobbled sector, Solesmes to Haussy, just before the men tackle Mons-en-Pévèle. Notably, when the men pass through the decisive Carrefour de l’Arbre sector, the women will be entering the most cobble-heavy section of their course, potentially offering thrilling racing moments for viewers switching between the two events. The scheduling and broadcast approach reflect the growing prominence of Paris-Roubaix Femmes but also highlight challenges in providing comprehensive live coverage of both races on the same day. Fans and broadcasters alike will be watching closely to see how this new format plays out and whether it enhances the profile of the women’s race without detracting from the men’s. The event’s timing and coverage strategies set a precedent for future editions, signalling a step towards greater equality in coverage while balancing logistical constraints.