Sun, 07 Jun 2026 Berlin 01:07 DE / UKR / EN

Wout van Aert wins Paris-Roubaix ahead of Tadej Pogacar – Koch as the first German woman successful

Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert has won the prestigious cycling classic Paris-Roubaix. Tadej Pogacar finished in second place, while Lisa Koch triumphed as the first German woman in the history of the race.

Wout van Aert wins Paris-Roubaix ahead of Tadej Pogacar – Koch as the first German woman successful
Photo: bilder.deutschlandfunk.de

As Deutschlandfunk reports, Wout van Aert has won the legendary cycling race Paris-Roubaix. The Belgian triumphed after a challenging distance of 258.3 kilometers between Compiègne and Roubaix, edging out Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogacar by a narrow margin of just a few centimeters. The race, known for its demanding cobblestone sections, posed significant challenges to the riders and required both physical and mental strength.

Van Aert, who rides for Team Jumbo-Visma, delivered an impressive performance during the race. He was active in the decisive phase and managed to break away from Pogacar in the final lap. The outcome of the race remained thrilling until the finish line, as Pogacar did everything he could to catch up with van Aert. Ultimately, it was van Aert who claimed the victory.

In addition to the duel between the two top riders, there was also a historic moment for German cycling. Lisa Koch secured the victory in the women's race, becoming the first German woman to win Paris-Roubaix. Her success is regarded as a milestone in the history of women's cycling and could help to further increase interest and support for women's cycling.

The event attracted numerous spectators who cheered on the athletes along the route. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and enthusiasm, underscoring the significance of the race. Paris-Roubaix is considered one of the oldest and most prestigious classics in the cycling calendar, drawing the best riders in the world year after year.

The conditions during the race were challenging, with changing weather and demanding road conditions. The cobblestone sections, characteristic of Paris-Roubaix, posed an additional challenge that required both technical skills and endurance. Riders who can successfully navigate these sections often have a decisive advantage in the race.

Van Aert and Pogacar are both well-known names in cycling and have celebrated numerous successes in the past. Their duel at Paris-Roubaix is regarded as one of the most exciting in the race's history. The rivalry between the two riders could continue to lead to thrilling competitions in the coming years.

Overall, the race was further proof of the high quality and competitiveness in cycling. The performances of van Aert and Koch will certainly be remembered and could inspire future generations of cyclists. The next edition of Paris-Roubaix is eagerly anticipated, as riders will attempt to repeat their successes or set new records.