In the French cobbled classic, all eyes were quickly on the important cobbled sections, which prevented any large, dangerous breakaway from forming. On the first sectors, the riders from the yellow-and-black team – who were riding on a new tire system from Gravaa – immediately made their presence felt, with Marianne Vos, Ferrand-Prévot, Linda Riedmann, Imogen Wolff, and Sophie von Berswordt all in the front during the first selection.

With 50 kilometers to go, the race truly ignited. After a crash involving Ferrand-Prévot and Riedmann, Kopecky launched an attack, with Vos managing to bridge across in impressive fashion. Then, with 35 kilometers remaining, Ferrand-Prévot and Von Berswordt were also able to rejoin the lead group.

At the 25-kilometer mark, Ferrand-Prévot made her move, heading into the crucial Carrefour de l’Arbre with a gap. On the decisive cobbled sector, the French rider continued to extend her lead, and the chasing group was unable to close the gap — allowing Ferrand-Prévot to solo to a commanding victory in Paris-Roubaix.

“When I got back to the front group after my crash, I decided to attack, and I quickly saw that I had a nice gap", Ferrand-Prévot reflected. “Initially, the plan was to ride for Marianne, because I hadn’t been feeling great over the last few days. But once I had the advantage, I gave it everything. For it to turn out this way is just amazing.”

The French rider already has several major wins to her name, but this one means a great deal to her. “I don’t quite realize yet how big this victory is, but I’m incredibly happy. My teammates did a fantastic job, and we really raced as a team today. That makes the win even more special and definitely adds some extra shine.”