German champion Franziska Koch (FDJ United – SUEZ) has left her mark on the 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix. The 25-year-old from Mettmann claims her fourth career victory, beating Marianne Vos (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) in a sprint at the finish line of the iconic French velodrome, with her teammate Pauline Ferrand-Prévot taking third place. Just off the podium, Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx Protime) crossed the line 1'30" behind the winner.

FDJ United Suez thus claims the French race following victories by Vollering at the Ronde and Chabbey at the Strade Bianche. The disappointment was evident on the faces of Team Visma Lease a Bike riders, who failed to hit their target despite an excellent race performance.

THE RACE – Ten kilometers after the start in Denain, the courageous 29-year-old German Rosa Maria Klöser launched a solo breakaway. Several riders attempted to follow her quickly but then gave her space, allowing her to enter the day's first cobbled sector with a 1'10" advantage over the rest of the group.

The German maintained her advantage virtually intact until exiting the cobbled sector at Haveluy à Wallers, but when Uno X, Liv-AlUl-Jayco, and Lidl Trek began setting the pace, the gap diminished considerably. When the group came back together seventy-four kilometers from the finish, it was right at the cobbled sector of Warlaing à Brillon.

Shortly after, race radio reported a mechanical issue for Letizia Borghesi and a strong push from the front of the group by Team Visma Lease a Bike riders.

On the cobbled section of Orchies, several riders hit the ground, and a few kilometers later a series of mechanical problems slowed the pace for Chabbey, Balsamo, and Jackson, forcing them to chase.

Exiting the cobbled sector of Mons-en-Pévèle, four riders accelerated: defending champion Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) with her teammate Marianne Vos, followed by Hungarian champion Blaka Vas (SD Worx Protime) and German champion Franziska Koch (FDJ United - SUEZ). A small group formed that quickly built a lead of around thirty seconds.

On the cobbled section of Bourghelles à Wannehain, Koch increased the pace, followed by the yellow-and-black duo from Team Visma Lease a Bike, while Vas had to wave the white flag.

The breakaway continued by mutual agreement with turns at accelerating, while behind them Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx - Protime) and Megan Jastrab (UAE Team ADQ) tried to chase, but the gap was over 1'00" and the velodrome was getting closer.

The entrance onto the track saw Vos and Koch battle in an exciting head-to-head that was decided with the German's victory at the finish of the 143-kilometer course.

FINAL RESULTS

1 Koch Franziska FDJ United - SUEZ 03:30:16

2 Vos Marianne Team Visma | Lease a Bike ,,

3 Ferrand-Prévot Pauline Team Visma | Lease a Bike 00:06

4 Kopecky Lotte Team SD Worx - Protime 01:30

5 Jastrab Megan UAE Team ADQ ,,

6 Wiebes Lorena Team SD Worx - Protime 02:20

7 Kool Charlotte Fenix-Premier Tech ,,

8 Gillespie Lara UAE Team ADQ ,,

9 Sierra Arlenis Movistar Team ,,

10 Brand Lucinda Lidl - Trek ,,

Updates to follow