Van Aert Triumphs Over Pogacar as Paris-Roubaix Escapee Caught

Wout van Aert claimed his first Paris-Roubaix victory after a tense finale at the Roubaix velodrome. He and Tadej Pogacar reached the track together, with Mathieu van der Poel trailing by around thirty seconds.

How the finish unfolded

Van Aert and Pogacar broke clear in the latter part of the race. They rode together over the final cobbled sectors and entered the velodrome as the leading duo.

Throughout the final two hours Van Aert probed and launched attacks. Pogacar matched many moves, but he could not prevent the Belgian’s winning surge.

Key moments in the closing kilometres

• Last cobbled sectors came inside the final 20 kilometres.
• With about 22 km to go Van Aert tested Pogacar with several accelerations.
• By the final kilometre the pair had passed the last cobbled sector.

Van Aert triumphed over Pogacar at Paris-Roubaix as an early escapee was caught. The late phases left Van der Poel around thirty seconds back.

Race dynamics and mechanicals

The day saw numerous mechanical problems and bike changes. Tadej Pogacar, Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel all suffered punctures at various points.

Filippo Ganna also experienced a puncture, removing an important helper from the chase group. Ineos riders had earlier incidents and lost ground as well.

Leading group composition

• The front group at one stage included Pogacar and Van Aert.
• Other riders in contention were Mads Pedersen, Christophe Laporte and Jasper Stuyven.
• Stefan Bissegger, Jordi Meeus and Laurence Pithie were also present in the break.

Context for the favourites

Van Aert had podiumed here before, finishing second in 2022 and third in 2023. This win completes his palmarès at the Roubaix velodrome.

Pogacar had targeted Roubaix to complete his set of monuments. He already holds Milan–Sanremo, multiple Ronde van Vlaanderen and Liège wins, and several victories in Il Lombardia.

Women’s race and Visma initiative

The women’s Paris-Roubaix ran on the same day as the men’s for the first time. Visma-Lease a Bike took the initiative early in the women’s race.

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot was among the favourites after winning last year. She also said she rode partly to support Marianne Vos, who returned to racing after a family bereavement.

Early break and regrouping

German rider Rosa Klöser launched a solo escape in the women’s race. She held a gap of about 45 seconds after the second cobbled sector, before the peloton reeled her in.

Route and pivotal sectors

The parcours featured a minor reroute through the middle section. Organisers added an 800-metre climb after Troisvilles.

The classic sectors remained central to the outcome. The Trouée d’Arenberg, Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l’Arbre were decisive in the race’s final phase.

Distances and schedule

• The men’s race started in Compiègne at 11:00 and covered nearly 260 kilometres.
• The women began in Denain at 14:30 and raced over 143 kilometres.
• Both events finished on the Roubaix velodrome later in the afternoon.

Filmogaz.com will carry further reports and analysis from the cobbles. Expect tactical breakdowns, rider interviews and post-race reactions in the coming hours.