"It’s chaos every year... I absolutely love it": Marianne Vos puts forward Paris-Roubaix as her big 2026 goal

For Marianne Vos, 2025 was a strangely satisfying season. The legendary cyclist didn't win as often as she'd be used to from past seasons, but thanks to her teammates, mainly Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, the 38-year-old got to celebrate so many nice victories, that it almost feels like she stood on the podium herself. Next year, the plan is again to win as much as possible herself, but the Dutchwoman is also more than happy to see her teammates grow and fight for the biggest races with the assistance of Vos.

"Overall, it was a very special season," Vos reflects in a season-previewing press release. "The Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix were two major goals for us. Winning both races is something we can be incredibly proud of. A few years ago, I couldn’t have imagined being part of a team that would win the Tour. Being able to contribute to that success myself is hugely rewarding."

"We went there with the ambition of finishing on the podium. Pauline looked sharp throughout the entire Tour and came through the opening days without any issues. While we didn’t quite know what to expect in the mountain stages, we were confident she was ready. The fact that she won the final two stages and the overall classification was the perfect culmination of a fantastic Tour."

"We always aim for the highest possible level, and next season will be no different. Personally, I hope to reach my best level and contribute to the team’s success. If I can do that, I’ll be satisfied."

Vos will kick off her season with several spring classics. Strade Bianche, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix are firmly circled on her calendar. "Winning a classic is something truly special. Everyone prepares meticulously for these races and wants to be at their very best," says Vos, who is particularly excited about Paris-Roubaix. "It’s chaos every year in Roubaix. I absolutely love racing there."

Despite her outstanding career, a victory at Paris-Roubaix Femmes is one that Vos still misses in her palmares. Had the race been around a decade ago, that probably wouldn't be the case anymore at this point, but it's late innauguration makes it all the more challenging for Vos who finished 4th in 2025, following the same result year prior, and a runner-up finish in debut edition of 2021.

But now a new star in the team, and Vos might end up in a secondary role at Roubaix again. Not that she seems to mind at all. "All eyes will be on us as defending champions. Honestly, I think Pauline is well used to handling pressure. It’s part of elite sport. You have to be able to deal with all kinds of external factors."

"Pauline knows exactly what she wants and what she needs to do to achieve her goals. Her focus and dedication make her a tremendous asset to the team. She gets along well with everyone and inspires people to give their all for her. I really enjoy racing alongside her, and I hope we’ll share many more great moments together."