Ready for Roubaix
Who will be the next Queen of the Cobbles?
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At the risk of sounding like the most boring person in the world, just HOW is it already a year since the last edition of Paris Roubaix Femmes? Since Alison Jackson took that unexpected and highly entertaining win at the Roubaix velodrome. At the risk of sounding even more boring, how is tomorrow’s race the fourth edition of Paris Roubaix Femmes already? I remember watching Lizzie Deignan slip and slide her way to the win in the first edition like it was yesterday. Okay I really do sound old now.
Anyway, two of the three former champions, Deignan and Elisa Longo Borghini won’t be on the start line tomorrow for different reasons (get well soon, Lizzie!) Jackson will be there, but not many people expect the Canadian to be able to repeat her 2023 feat. Lidl-Trek have claimed two editions of this race so far and, after their performances in recent weeks, they go in as one of the favourite teams even in the absence of Deignan and Longo Borghini.
A Roubaix win has so far eluded SD Worx, even in the peak of their dominance and the Dutch team will be hoping that Lotte Kopecky can avenge her Flanders loss on the cobbles of northern France. On top of that, there’s an in form Marianne Vos on the loose, who has her own fish to fry with this race having missed out due to injury and illness in the past.
But there’s no point in trying to predict Roubaix, and isn’t that what makes it so compelling?
Amy x
News 📰
A crash at Tour of Flanders has resulted in a broken arm for Lizzie Deignan and a broken jaw for Marlen Reusser.
Former Roubaix winner Elisa Longo Borghini will not race on Saturday with her team, Lidl-Trek, saying "Paris-Roubaix was not originally on her 2024 schedule, and the team have decided to stick with that in view of her other season goals.”
Lily Williams has extended with Human Powered Health through 2026.
Read 🗞️
Ellen van Dijk: The women’s peloton is not ready for the Arenberg - Rouleur
No regrets for Kasia Niewiadoma after gutsy second at Tour of Flanders - GCN
Alison Jackson: The making of a Monument - Escape Collective
Paris-Roubaix: Elisa Balsamo hoping to make better memories on the French cobbles - GCN
The Mauritian darkhorse at Paris-Roubaix Femmes with the race’s wildest backstory - Rouleur
Women celebrate four years of inclusion at Paris Roubaix — is there room for growth? — CyclingNews
Pieterse, Swinkels and Paternoster: the breakthrough stars of the Classics - Escape Collective
'The last three years we weren't so lucky' – SD Worx-Protime chase first Paris-Roubaix Femmes title - CyclingNews
5 Key Stats From Women in the Pinkbike State of the Sport Survey 2024 - Pinkbike
For Emma Norsgaard, Paris-Roubaix Femmes is about never giving up - Escape Collective
Watch 📺
Defending Paris Roubaix champion Alison Jackson on her journey to the pavé.
Listen 🎧
Double Wheel Talk this week! First they look back on the previous week of racing and then we have Abby’s interview with Alison Jacson as they relive her Paris-Roubaix victory.
The Cycling Podcst Féminin dissect Flanders.
Results 🏆
Road
Ronde van Vlaanderen (1.WWT)
Elisa Longo Borghini (LTK)
Kasia Niewiadoma (CSR)
Shirin van Anrooij (LTK)
Ronde de Mouscron (1.1)
Daria Pikulik (HPH)
Anniina Ahtosalo (UXM)
Martina Fidanza (WNT)
Scheldeprijs Vrouwen Elite (1.1)
Lorena Wiebes (SDW)
Charlotte Kool (DFP)
Martina Fidanza (WNT)
Upcoming races 📆
Road
Saturday 6th April: Paris-Roubaix Femmes (1.WWT)
How to watch:
Wednesday 10th April: De Brabantse Pijl - La Flèche Brabançonne (1.Pro)
How to watch:
Live on Eurosport/Discovery+ from 12:30 CEST
Startlist here.
Friday fun 🕺
That’s all 👋
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Amy x