Paris-Roubaix

Where: France
When: Sun 9 April (men) Sat 8 April (women)
Rank: UCI WorldTour
Distance: 257km (men), 145.5km (women)

Key info Key sectors | Route & Start list | How to watch

Paris-Roubaix remains resolutely in its rightful April slot for 2023, having finally returned to its usual spring slot last year following the upheaval of covid. As per last year, the women's race will be held the day before the men's.

One of the most popular races on the calendar, the 'Hell of the North' – or 'Queen of the Classics' if you prefer – can be in turn dusty and dry, or wet and muddy, but it is always a spectacle.

Signifying the end of the Northern cobbled Classics, its final in the iconic Roubaix velodrome on the Belgian border only adds to the show.

The route for both men's and women's races will be familiar, though both have been tweaked for this year, with a new cobbled sector for the men and more distance for the women – see our Route page for details.

This will be the third edition of the women's race – the Paris-Roubaix Femmes – which was won last year by Elisa Longo-Borghini (Trek-Segafredo). 

Last year's men's race featured 30 cobbled sectors, including some of the most famous names in cycling like the Forest of Arenberg, Mons-en-Pévèle, and Carrefour de l’Arbre. It saw Dylan Van Baarle (Ineos Grenadiers) solo to victory after a 20km escape, beating Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) by 1.47. 

>>> 12 pictures that show just how tough the Paris-Roubaix cobbles are 

The men's race has not started in the French capital of Paris for some time, but rather a few miles outside in the town of Compiègne. From there, the riders will embark on a gruelling 257km ride to Roubaix. The women start at Denain, which is roughly south of Roubaix and leaves and winding parcours taking in many of the famous sectors.

The finish is a unique one, with the riders coming onto Roubaix's outdoor velodrome to do a lap and a half to the line, featuring a reduced sprint often the final decider in front of the huge crowds in the stands. 

Paris-Roubaix: Recent winners

2022: Dylan Van Baarle (Ned) Ineos Grenadiers
2021: Sonny Colbrelli (Ita) Bahrain Victorious
2020: No race due to Covid-19
2019: Philippe Gilbert (Bel) Quick-Step Floors
2018: Peter Sagan (Svk) Bora-Hansgrohe
2017: Greg Van Avermaet (Bel) BMC Racing
2016: Mathew Hayman (Aus) Orica-GreenEdge
2015: John Degenkolb (Ger) Giant-Alpecin
2014: Niki Terpstra (Ned) Etixx - Quick-Step
2013: Fabian Cancellara (Sui) Team RadioShack
2012: Tom Boonen (Bel) Omega-Pharma - Quick-Step
2011: Johan Vansummeren (Bel) Garmin-Cervélo
2010: Fabian Cancellara (Sui) Team Saxo Bank
2009: Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick-Step
2008: Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick-Step
2007: Stuart O’Grady (Aus) Team CSC
2006: Fabian Cancellara (Swi) CSC ProTeam
2005: Tom Boonen (Bel) Quick Step-Innergetic
2004: Magnus Backstedt (Swe) Alessio-Bianchi
2003: Peter Van Petegem (Bel) Lotto-Domo
2002: Johan Museeuw (Bel) Domo-Farm Frites
2001: Servais Knaven (Bel) Domo-Farm Frites
2000: Johan Museeuw (Bel) Mapei-Quick Step

Paris-Roubaix Femmes: Recent winners

2022: Elisa Longo-Borghini (Ita) Trek-Segafredo
2021: Lizzie Deignan (GBr) Trek-Segafredo

Previous editions:  2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010

External links: Official website | Official Twitter feed