Calling it the toughest Paris-Roubaix Femmes in history is absolutely no exaggeration because this year the women's race of the stones will be even more challenging. The start is in Denain and the finish will be at the legendary André Petrieux velodrome in Roubaix after 148 km. Compared to the 2025 edition, there will be 4.5 km more of pavé, 3 new sectors bringing the total to 20 for 33.7 km, a true ordeal. Furthermore, for the first time the race will not take place on Saturday, but on Sunday just like the men's race.

Despite its very brief history that began only in 2021, the Paris-Roubaix Femmes has already carved out its place as one of the most fascinating races of the season and certainly the most unpredictable. In 5 editions contested, there have been 5 different winners, starting with Elizabeth Deignan and ending with Pauline Ferrand Prévot with her solo arrival at the velodrome in 2025. The race has also smiled upon Italian colors, in every edition an Italian athlete has managed to reach the podium and currently the tally speaks of one third place, three second places, and the splendid victory of Elisa Longo Borghini in 2022.

The start is set for 14:35 and after a relatively easy first section, riders will enter the first pavé sector, the one from Solesmes to Haussy after 30 km. In order, they will then tackle the sectors from Saulzoir to Verchain and especially the unprecedented stretch from Haveluy to Wallers, the new entry of this edition, and Hornaing to Wandignies, two of the longest of the day, but still far from the finish. The first decisive moment will certainly be the Mons en Pevel sector, with its 3 km length it has earned 5 stars of difficulty and, 45 km from the finish, it could eliminate many of the contenders for victory. The last 18 kilometers are instead identical to the men's race and feature 5 truly iconic sectors starting with Camphin en Pévèle (1.8 km, 4 stars) where Pauline Ferrand Prévot made the difference last year, then the feared Carrefour de l'Arbre, the last truly complicated stretch of the race, Gruson, Willems à Hem, and finally the entrance to the velodrome.

She initially said she would not be taking part, but the defending champion Pauline Ferrand Prévot will not only be at the start of Paris-Roubaix, but will be ready to defend her title. The French champion, also winner of last year's Tour, is the most anticipated athlete, she's racing at home and after her second place at the Tour of Flanders last Sunday, we can say she's more than ready. On paper, Team Visma Lease a Bike seems to be the best equipped, Marianne Vos returns to racing after almost a month away to be close to her family and we are more than sure that the "fox" is determined more than ever to make her mark. Lotte Kopecky came out of Flanders with a fourth place that didn't satisfy her, but the two-time world champion is in good form and has already won at Roubaix in 2024; watch out for SD Worx Pro Time which also has in its arsenal the arrow Lorena Wiebes who finished third last year. The race of the stones is always difficult to interpret and could smile upon the fast wheels. Besides Wiebes, there will also be at the start Charlotte Kool, Pfeiffer Georgi, Linda Zanetti, and Cat Ferguson, the young talent from home team Movistar Team. Among possible outsiders of the day could be the winner of Strade Bianche Elise Chabbey, the cyclocross world champion Lucinda Brand, and the Canyon Sram duo Zoe Backstedt and Chloe Dygert. Don't forget the presence of Alison Jackson who won in 2023 with a superb edition; someone could imitate her with an unexpected move.

On the Italian front, there will be no 2022 winner Elisa Longo Borghini, but we can count on Letizia Borghesi, the defending vice champion. She will certainly try to make her mark; the same goes for Letizia Borghesi, second last year. Elisa Balsamo finished second in 2024 behind Lotte Kopecky and has never hidden that she has put Paris-Roubaix among her major objectives. In case of a sprint finish, we could see Chiara Consonni wearing the captain's armband for the Canyon Sram team.