Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026 preview, profiles, favourites & predictions - Can Ferand-Prévot defend her title against Kopecky and Wiebes?

On the 12th of April the women's peloton tackle the Hell of the North. In terms of profile it is flat, however it is perhaps the hardest of all one-day races on the calendar. We take a look at its profile, with the race expected to start and finish at 14:45 and 18:15CET.

The queen of the cobbled classics only had its first edition in 2021 but it became an immediate success with Lizzie Deignan beating Marianne Vos and Elisa Longo Borghini in the first edition. Ever since the race has been won by Elisa Longo Borghini in 2022; Alison Jackson with a shock victory in 2023 which characterizes the race; and Lotte Kopecky winning the 2024 edition.

In 2025 it was Pauline Ferrand-Prévot who took the victory after making a comeback to road cycling, a spectacular triumph that few would've expected from the French hero.

The race features 143.5 kilometers, relatively long however it will be a fast race as it features no climbing whatsoever. The start takes place in Denain and after a small loop, the riders then take on the course of the men's event for the final 80 kilometers.

Here, the riders will face 33 kilometers of cobbled roads, split between 17 separate sectors. It is a very dense amount of difficult roads where differences will be made. This will include the Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l'Arbre, two five-star sectors - although the peloton will not go through the famous Trouée d'Arenberg. The finale will take place in the famous Roubaix velodrome.

*** Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, Lotte Kopecky

** Lorena Wiebes, Franziska Koch, Zoe Bäckstedt

* Elise Chabbey, Marianne Vos, Blanka Kata Vas, Letizia Borghesi, Alison Jackson, Chloé Dygert, Elisa Balsamo,

Pick: Lotte Kopecky

How: Small group sprint.