The only monumental race on French soil, Paris-Roubaix is also unique among the classics, to the point of being considered the Queen. Its character is also unique—a tough race with the flavor of ancient cycling, where strength and endurance are the fundamental qualities needed to win it: for this reason it shows no mercy to anyone, but rewards whoever is best at resisting its traps. Many traps await along a journey that this year spans 258 kilometers across the flat countryside of the North: first of all the pavé, almost 55 kilometers of stones distributed across thirty sectors, then the wind, mechanical failures, crashes and mud in case of bad weather. But from Compiègne to the iconic velodrome of the coal city, being ready will count above all at the key points, all historically well-known: the Arenberg Forest, the true watershed between those who nurture the dream of winning and those who can achieve it, Mons en Pévèle and Carrefour de l'Arbre, which often deliver the final verdict. In a roll of honor with strong Belgian tints, Italy ranks third behind France with 14 victories, the last in 2021 with Sonny Colbrelli, the only Italian to leave his mark in this millennium. Here are the ten faces chasing the stone trophy reserved for the winner.

Mathieu Van der Poel. He wins because he has done so in the last three editions, because where riding skill matters he is a master, because in a race without climbs it is difficult to leave him behind. He doesn't win because there is someone capable of bringing him to the decisive moments short of breath.

Tadej Pogacar. He wins because he has won all six races he has competed in since the World Championships, because he has a superior engine compared to the strongest, because a year ago on his debut only a crash slowed him down. He doesn't win because on such a course there is someone who is not inferior to him.

Filippo Ganna. He wins because this is the classic he has focused his season on, because he arrives at the start less tired than everyone else, because he has the right script to express all his power. He doesn't win because on the stones it's not enough to go fast, but you also need luck.

Wout Van Aert. He wins because he has returned to the top and sooner or later he gets one right, because in his last four appearances he has always finished in the top seven with two podiums, because he is another one who feels at home on the stones. He doesn't win because he always finds at least one who goes faster than him.

Mads Pedersen. He wins because in the last two editions he finished third, because he is a man for tough races, because he has a very solid team alongside him and in Milan a possible alternative. He doesn't win because between incidents, illnesses and crashes this spring something has taken away from him.

Jasper Stuyven. He wins because among the Belgians in circulation he is one of the most in form, because in this classic he has finished three times in the top seven, because he is another one you never consider and who is always there in the end. He doesn't win because in his team he has valid alternatives like Lampaert and Merlier.

Jasper Philipsen. He wins because in case of a bunch finish he is the fastest of all, because on a couple of occasions he has finished second behind his teammate Van der Poel, because this is one of the classics that suits him best. He doesn't win because Van der Poel will race on his own and won't be of help to him.

Florian Vermeersch. He wins because he is another Belgian who is going very strong, because on his debut in this race he immediately got on the podium, because as a former cyclocross rider this is the classic he prefers. He doesn't win because his role will be to help Pogacar and it will absorb all his energy.

Christophe Laporte. He wins because he is a rider made for these courses, because on the stones he has always done well, because this year in the northern races he has never finished outside the top ten. He doesn't win because working for his teammate Van Aert will be his main task.

Gianni Vermeersch. He wins because he is in an exceptional moment of form, because in this classic he has almost always finished ahead, because the absence of a great leader will allow him to play his own cards. He doesn't win because it's one thing to do well as a domestique, another to be a leader.