2026 Paris-Roubaix gets a new name and invites not only Unibet Rose Rockets but also new American pro team

The 2026 Paris-Roubaix has been presented this morning in France and there are novelties heading into the 2026 edition. Whilst the course, unique and iconic, remains the same; the race will have a new name and will feature a set of teams that will be grabbing the spotlight and also making their debut in the roads of northern France.

The 'Hell of the North' is cycling's third monument of the spring and for many, one of the most thrilling races of the entire year. This year, both men's and women's Paris-Roubaix will take place on the same day, Sunday the 12th of April. The men's race will end at around 16:30CET whilst Paris-Roubaix Femmes is set to come to an end at 18:00CET, providing more spectacle on that individual day whilst allowing the race to be held under the same safety conditions - police limitation became an issue for holding the race on separate days.

The course has been presented and it doesn't showcase meaningful changes, with the race set to be decided as always in the treacherous cobbled sectors. Several teams have already had their blocks train and test material in the sectors - Visma and UAE, with Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogacar respectively, doing so back in November and December. It is perhaps the race in the calendar that sees riders focus on the most when it comes to their equipment.

In 2026 the men's race will be called Paris-Roubaix Hauts-de-France, with the race being supported by the northern France region that has hosted the Tour de France's Grand Depart last summer. The women's race will also be called Paris-Roubaix Femmes Hauts-de-France.

The 7 wildcards have been given to Cofidis, Pinarello Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, Team Flanders - Baloise, TotalEnergies, Tudor Pro Cycling Team, Unibet Rose Rockets and also Modern Adventure Pro Cycling. The latter comes as a surprise, taking into consideration the team's origins and recency. The team recently got awarded a wildcard to the Volta a Catalunya, but its World Tour schedule won't be limited to the Catalan stage-race.

The American team's boss George Hincapie was thrilled with the team receiving such a prestigious invite, despite the team only being weeks into its existence in the peloton. "Having the opportunity to race Paris-Roubaix in our first season as a professional team is both unique and hugely exciting," he said. "It's a race that's close to my heart, one I have great memories of as a rider and now, together, we get to experience this from a whole new angle".

“It'll also be a great opportunity to showcase the strength of our equipment partners on the biggest stage. It'll be a big test for all the team, but we'll continue to approach it with diligent preparation and as a collective unit. Once again, we thank the ASO for their belief in our mission as a team and for giving us this opportunity."