Paris–Roubaix is one of cycling's oldest races, and was first held in 1896. Paris–Roubaix is famous for rough terrain, mud and cobblestones, or pavé (setts)[n 1] – the race has been nicknamed l'enfer du Nord, or Hell of the North.[1] Punctures and other mechanical problems are common and often influence the result.
In the early 2000s, French cyclist Marion Clignet recalled asking if the organisers of Paris–Roubaix would organise a women's edition of the race, with Jean-Marie Leblanc (who worked for the organisers) replying that they would not.[2]
In the late 2010s, the women's peloton pushed again for the race, with Iris Slappendel stating that "we would love to have a Paris–Roubaix".[3] In 2018, Union Cycliste Internationale president David Lappartient pushed for the race, stating "I dream of a Paris–Roubaix Feminine" in an interview with L'Équipe.[4]
The first edition of Paris–Roubaix Femmes took place in 2021,[7] with Lizzie Deignan winning following a 80km solo attack described by commentators as one of the greatest Roubaix rides of all time.[8][9][10] Paris–Roubaix Femmes is held on a Saturday in early April, with the men's race held the day after.
Course
The Paris–Roubaix Femmes course uses the same roads and cobbled sectors as the men's race – albeit over a shorter distance (around 120 to 150km) – before finishing in the Roubaix Velodrome.[11] Editions of the race have so far started in Denain,[7][11] with 17 sectors of pavé including the famed Carrefour de l'Arbre and the Mons-en-Pévèle – both ranked at "five stars" in difficulty.[11][12] The course is maintained by Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix, a group of fans of the race formed in 1983. The forçats du pavé seek to keep the course safe for riders while maintaining its difficulty.[13]
Organisers noted they consider it "too dangerous" to include the five star cobbled sector Trouée d'Arenberg due to its proximity to the start in Denain,[14] but they also noted that they "do not rule out that we will pass through ... in the future".[15]
^Paris–Roubaix is popularly known throughout the English-speaking world for its 'cobbled sectors', but this is a misnomer as the sectors are actually paved with granite setts, roughly hewn blocks, which are smoother and safer than true cobblestones (prominent rounded pebbles often used on inner city streets). This article maintains the misnomer 'Cobblestones' but attempts to clarify the misnomer where relevant.
^Rose Manley (12 April 2024). "S12 EP23 Cobbling Together History - The Cycling Podcast Feminin". The Cycling Podcast (Podcast). The Cycling Podcast. Retrieved 19 April 2024. I had a conversation with Jean-Marie Leblanc if ASO would put on a Paris Roubaix for us, and I thought he was gonna have a heart attack - you know (coughing and spluttering) "what was that you just asked?!" I said "you know we can ride the pave it's fine there's no problem" he said "no that's not going to happen" [former rider Marion Clignet]
^Frattini, Kirsten (5 April 2023). "Five-star Arenberg 'too dangerous' due to proximity to start at Paris-Roubaix Femmes, says ASO". cyclingnews.com. Retrieved 5 April 2023. Organisers ASO have increased the total race distance for the third edition of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift but have not added the mythical five-star Trouée d'Arenberg, saying that it is still "too dangerous" to include it in the women's parcours due to its proximity to the start in Denain.