ASO Director Justifies Shortened Women’s Paris-Roubaix Coverage, Criticizes Bas Tietema
Paris-Roubaix race director Thierry Gouvenou has defended a decision to cut live television time for the women’s event. The change comes as Paris-Roubaix Femmes runs on the same day as the men’s race for the first time since 2021.
Broadcast change and reaction
The women’s race will finish about 90 minutes after the men. Broadcasters will show only the final 90 minutes, compared with roughly three hours last year. TV images may begin after riders pass the new Haveluy-to-Wallers cobbled sector.
The Cyclists’ Alliance said shrinking coverage harms visibility and threatens momentum in women’s cycling. Riders’ representatives warned that less airtime undermines value and future growth.
Organiser’s explanation
Speaking in Compiègne to Filmogaz.com, Gouvenou said the shorter window should reach a larger audience. He argued Sunday viewers for the men’s race will boost exposure for the women.
Gouvenou cited logistical limits from Nord-region authorities. He said it was hard to close roads on consecutive days, so ASO opted to stage both races together and place the women after the men.
Financial context
Gouvenou acknowledged funding remains a challenge for women’s events. He pointed to ASO investments, including the 2022 relaunch of a women’s Tour and the first women’s Paris‑Roubaix in 2021.
Zwift withdrew title sponsorship for this edition, tightening the budget. Gouvenou said organisers want parity but must balance finances and wait for sponsor support to grow.
Logistics, time cuts and the Tietema dispute
Questions also surfaced about race operations when men and women share the route. L’Equipe highlighted concerns over riders dropped in the men’s race and their possible interference with the women’s passage.
Gouvenou recalled a 2022 incident involving Bas Tietema. He said the former pro and content creator rode far behind, made videos, and contributed to delayed road openings that drew police questions.
The ASO director defended the shortened women’s Paris-Roubaix coverage and criticizes Bas Tietema’s approach to riding that day. Gouvenou said riders must prioritise the sport over producing social media content.
Official rules set the men’s time cut at 8% of the winner’s time, giving late finishers about 30 minutes to record a result. ASO may order riders to stop if they fall 45 minutes behind. That directive was introduced after problems in 2022 and will be enforced to protect the women’s race.
Relations with teams
Gouvenou downplayed any lasting rift with Tietema or his Unibet Rose Rockets project. He said conversations have taken place and described the team’s concept as impressive.
He reiterated his position that racing should come before media activity. Gouvenou added he believes the parties are now aligned on that principle.
