Paris-Roubaix 2026 will see men and women race on the same day

For the first time in history, both the men’s and women’s Paris-Roubaix will take place on the same day next year. According to TNT Sports, the 2026 edition will break with tradition and stage both races on Sunday, April 12. Since its debut in 2021, the women’s Paris-Roubaix has been held on the Saturday before the men’s event, but from 2026 the two races will be run back-to-back on the same day on the iconic cobbled course. The change raises questions over scheduling, coverage, and the status of other events usually held that weekend, including the junior and U23 categories.

The men’s edition of Paris-Roubaix is among the most prestigious and brutal events in cycling, long known as the “Hell of the North.” Held each year on the second Sunday of April, the race attracts the world’s strongest classics riders. Mathieu van der Poel has dominated in recent years, winning the past three editions, and in 2026 he will have the chance to equal the record for most wins with a fourth victory.

The women’s race has quickly become a fixture on the cycling calendar. In just a few editions, it has delivered excitement on par with the men’s race. Tour de France Femmes winner and multi-discipline champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot claimed victory in 2025, adding the race to her extensive list of achievements.

While the decision to hold both races on the same day streamlines the weekend, it also introduces uncertainty. The junior and U23 versions of Paris-Roubaix, which have in recent years been staged on Sunday, face an unclear future under the new arrangement. Organisers will need to find space for those categories, either earlier in the weekend or alongside the elite races.

The biggest debate, however, surrounds the potential impact on viewership. Traditionally, the women’s race has enjoyed its own spotlight on Saturday, drawing fans and media attention before anticipation shifts to the men’s event on Sunday. Combining the two could create a blockbuster day of cycling, maximizing broadcast exposure and drawing in casual fans. But there is also the risk that the women’s race will be overshadowed, especially if it finishes before a highly anticipated men’s showdown featuring van der Poel.

Much will depend on how broadcasters choose to handle the scheduling. If the women’s race is given a prominent slot, with strong coverage leading into the men’s finale, the new arrangement could elevate both events. We will have to wait until next spring to find out how the organisers decide to handle this.