Paris–Roubaix facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Paris–Roubaix

Race details
Date	Early April
Region	Northern France
English name	Paris–Roubaix
Local name(s)	Paris–Roubaix
Nickname(s)	The Hell of the North L'Enfer du Nord Queen of the Classics The Easter race A Sunday in Hell
Discipline	Road
Competition	UCI World Tour
Type	One-day
Organiser	Amaury Sport Organisation
Race director	Jean-François Pescheux
History
First edition	1896; 129 years ago (1896)
Editions	121 (as of 2024)
First winner	Josef Fischer (GER)
Most wins	Roger De Vlaeminck (BEL)  Tom Boonen (BEL) (4 wins each)
Most recent	Mathieu van der Poel (NED)

The Paris–Roubaix is a famous one-day professional bicycle race held in northern France. It starts near Paris and finishes in Roubaix, a town close to the Belgian border. This race is one of the oldest and most important cycling events in the world. It's known as one of the 'Monuments' of cycling.

Paris–Roubaix is famous for its very rough roads, especially the cobblestones (called pavé). Because of these tough sections, it's often called the Hell of the North or the Queen of the Classics. Since 1977, the winner gets a special prize: a real cobblestone!

The difficult terrain means cyclists need special bikes, wheels, and tires. Flat tires and other bike problems happen often and can change who wins. Even though it's a respected race, some cyclists find it too hard because of the tough conditions. The race has been held every year since 1896, except during the two world wars and the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

History of the Paris–Roubaix Race

Théodore Vienne helped create the race.

The Roubaix Velodrome was built in 1895.

Paris–Roubaix is one of the oldest professional bike races. It first took place in 1896. The race was started by two textile factory owners from Roubaix, Théodore Vienne and Maurice Perez. They had built a velodrome (a special track for cycling) in Roubaix in 1895.

Vienne and Perez wanted to find new ideas for events at their velodrome. In 1896, they thought of holding a bike race all the way from Paris to their track in Roubaix. They asked Louis Minart, an editor at Le Vélo (a French sports newspaper), for help. Minart liked the idea and suggested they talk to the paper's director, Paul Rousseau.

The factory owners wrote to Rousseau, suggesting the race could be good training for another big event. They offered a prize of 1,000 francs, which was a lot of money back then. Rousseau was excited and sent his cycling editor, Victor Breyer, to check out the route.

Breyer rode his bike from Amiens to Roubaix. It was a terrible ride with wind, rain, and cold. He was covered in mud and exhausted from the cobblestones. He almost sent a telegram to cancel the idea because it seemed too dangerous. But after a good meal and drinks in Roubaix, he changed his mind.

Why is it Called the Easter Race?

Vienne and Perez planned the first race for Easter Sunday. However, the church didn't like this idea. They worried that riders and fans wouldn't go to church. It's believed that Vienne and Perez promised a special church service for the riders.

But the first Paris–Roubaix actually happened on April 19, 1896. Easter Sunday that year was two weeks earlier, on April 5. So, the first race was not on Easter. The next year, in 1897, Paris–Roubaix was indeed held on Easter Sunday.

The First Winners of Paris–Roubaix

Josef Fischer won the first Paris–Roubaix in 1896.

Many riders who signed up for the first race didn't even show up. The famous Henri Desgrange, who later started the Tour de France, was one of them. But Maurice Garin, who would win the first Tour de France, did start. He was a local favorite in Roubaix.

Josef Fischer from Germany won the first race. Garin finished third, about 15 minutes behind. Only four riders finished within an hour of the winner! Garin might have been second, but he crashed after being hit by two tandem bikes. He was so tired and hurt that a doctor had to help him.

Garin won the race the next year, in 1897. He beat Mathieu Cordang in an exciting finish at the Roubaix velodrome. Cordang fell near the end, giving Garin a lead. Garin just barely held on to win by two meters!

The "Hell of the North" Nickname

This cobblestone emblem was given on the 100th anniversary of the race.

The race often leaves riders covered in mud and dirt from the cobbled roads. But this is not how it got its famous nickname, l'enfer du Nord, or Hell of the North. This name came after World War I.

In 1919, organizers and journalists drove the race route to see what was left after four years of war. Millions had died, and France was heavily damaged. As they got closer to the north, the air smelled bad, and trees were broken stumps. Everything was mud.

Someone said it was "hell," and the name stuck. A newspaper called it "the hell of the north." The words in L'Auto newspaper described it as: "We enter into the center of the battlefield. There's not a tree, everything is flattened! Not a square meter that has not been hurled upside down. There's one shell hole after another. The only things that stand out in this churned earth are the crosses... It is hell!"

Saving the Cobblestones

Alain Bernard, President of 'Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix', helps keep the cobbles in shape.

Riding on cobbles wasn't always a special challenge. Before World War II, many roads were just made of cobbles. After the war, roads got better, and many cobbled sections were paved over. This meant the race was losing its unique character.

Organizers worried the race would become too easy. So, in 1983, a group of fans called Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix (The Friends of Paris–Roubaix) was formed. This group helps find and fix old cobbled paths. They work with local towns to keep these difficult sections safe for riders.

Alain Bernard, the president of Les Amis, said that mayors used to pave over cobbled roads because they didn't want their towns to look old-fashioned on TV. Now, mayors call him to say they've found more cobbles for the race!

Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix spend thousands of euros each year to fix the cobbles. Students from horticulture schools help with the repairs as part of their training. They put down sand and other materials to make the cobbles rideable.

The Race Course

Cobblestones in northern France, near Lille.

The race used to start in Paris. But since 1977, it starts in Compiègne, about 80 km north of Paris. From Compiègne, the race follows a winding route of about 260 km north to Roubaix.

The first cobbled section usually appears after about 100 km. In the last 150 km, riders face more than 50 km of cobblestones! The race ends with 750 meters on the smooth concrete track of the Vélodrome André-Pétrieux in Roubaix. The route changes slightly each year as old roads are paved or new cobbled sections are found.

Key Cobblestone Sections

The organizers rate the cobbled sections based on their length, how rough they are, their condition, and where they are in the race.

Troisvilles to Inchy

The 27 cobble sections of the 2011 race.

This is usually the first cobbled section, about 100 km into the race. It's the highest point of all the cobbles.

Wallers Haveluy

This 2.5 km section is named after Bernard Hinault, a winner from 1981. It's often used in other races too.

Trouée d'Arenberg

The famous Trouée d'Arenberg in 2008.

The Trouée d'Arenberg (Trench of Arenberg) is a symbol of Paris–Roubaix. This 2400-meter section of cobbles was laid long ago by Napoleon I through a forest. A former professional cyclist, Jean Stablinski, who used to work in the mine under the forest, suggested it for the race.

Even though it's almost 100 km from the finish, this section is often where the winning group of riders is decided. A memorial to Stablinski stands at one end of the road.

The Forest of Arenberg during the 2013 race.

This section was added in 1968. In 1999, the race direction was changed to make riders enter it slower. This was after Johan Museeuw had a bad crash there in 1998. In 2005, it was left out because it was too dangerous, but local councils spent money to fix it.

Cyclist Filippo Pozzato said after riding it: "It's the true definition of hell. It's very dangerous... The bike goes in all directions." Another rider, Philippe Gaumont, broke his leg here in 2001. So many fans have taken cobbles as souvenirs that Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix have to replace them!

Mons-en-Pévèle

This is another very difficult section, rated five stars. It's 3 km long and includes a small climb and two sharp turns. It has been used almost every year since 1978.

Carrefour de l'Arbre

The first part of the Carrefour de l'Arbre cobbled section.

A sign marking the Pavé de Luchin at the Carrefour de l'Arbre.

The Carrefour de l'Arbre is the last five-star difficulty cobbled section. It's located between two towns, Gruson and Camphin-en-Pévèle. This 2.1 km section is very important because it's close to the finish (only 15 km away) and is very tough. In 2023, the Camphin-en-Pévèle part was renamed after the three-time winner Eddy Merckx.

Alain Bernard, from Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix, found this section. He said that a bar at the crossroads, which used to open only once a year, is now open all year because of the race's fame!

Roubaix, Espace Charles Crupelandt

This painting from 1912 shows the end of the Paris–Roubaix race.

This final stretch of cobbles before the velodrome is named after Charles Crupelandt, a local rider who won in 1912 and 1914. This 300-meter section was made for the 100th anniversary of the race in 1996. It has plaques for every race winner, giving it the name 'Chemin des Géants' (Road of the Giants).

The Finish Line

The last 750 meters of the race are inside the Roubaix velodrome.

Since 1943, the race has mostly finished at the Roubaix Velodrome. This is a large outdoor track. The finish was moved to the velodrome to give spectators a better view of the exciting end of the race.

The shower stalls at the Roubaix track are named after past winners.

Inside the velodrome, there's a special shower room. Each shower stall has a brass plaque with the name of a past winner, like Eddy Merckx and Tom Boonen. Cyclists often say that standing in these showers after the race is a very special moment.

Bicycles for Paris–Roubaix

Paris–Roubaix is a huge challenge for bikes and riders. Special frames, wheels, and tires are often used. In the past, wider tires and different brakes were developed for this race.

More recently, bike companies have designed special bikes just for races like Paris–Roubaix. These bikes, like the Specialized Roubaix series, have a longer wheelbase and are made to give riders a smoother ride over the rough cobbles. Teams also have people along the course with spare bikes and wheels because punctures and mechanical problems are very common.

André Mahé, who won in 1948, said that back then, riders used the same bikes for all races. Bikes were less stiff, so they naturally absorbed more bumps. But today's bikes are much more rigid, so special features are needed.

Riders have tried different things over the years. Some used wooden rims, others wrapped their handlebars with foam. In the 1990s, some even tried bikes with suspension in the front forks.

Top riders sometimes get special frames for more stability and comfort. For example, Tom Boonen used a bike with a longer wheelbase when he won in 2005. George Hincapie had a bike with a special insert to absorb shock. However, his bike's steering tube broke in 2006, causing him to crash.

The bad roads cause many flat tires. A special service team from Mavic (a bike parts company) provides spare wheels to riders from any team. They used to change about 100 wheels in a race, but now it's fewer because tires are much better.

A Sad Moment in Race History

In the 2018 race, a rider named Michael Goolaerts suffered a heart attack and crashed. Doctors tried to help him right away, and he was flown to the hospital. Sadly, he passed away later that day.

What Riders Say About Paris–Roubaix

Cyclists have strong feelings about Paris–Roubaix.

• Theo de Rooij, a Dutch rider, crashed in the 1985 race. When asked if he'd race again, he said: "Sure, it's the most beautiful race in the world!"
• Sean Kelly, who won the race twice, called it a "love-hate" relationship. He famously said: "A Paris–Roubaix without rain is not a true Paris–Roubaix. Throw in a little snow as well, it's not serious." He also said: "Paris–Roubaix is a horrible race to ride but the most beautiful one to win."
• Chris Horner described the cobbles: "They plowed a dirt road, flew over it with a helicopter, and then just dropped a bunch of rocks out of the helicopter! That's Paris–Roubaix. It's that bad – it's ridiculous."
• Wout van Aert said in 2022: "Everybody has his own story during the race... It's the beauty of the race."

Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix: The Race's Friends

'Les forçats du pavé' working to clear mud from the cobbles.

Cobblestones being repaired by Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix.

Les Amis de Paris–Roubaix (The Friends of Paris–Roubaix) is a group of dedicated fans. It was started in 1983 by Jean-Claude Vallaeys. Their main goal is to find and keep enough cobbled roads so the race can stay special.

Many roads were being paved over, and the race was at risk of becoming a fast race on smooth roads. Alain Bernard, who now leads the group, says they have succeeded in keeping the race's unique character. They work with local governments to maintain these historic paths. They also collect documents, hold exhibitions, and honor past winners.

The group calls themselves les forçats du pavé (the convicts of the cobbles). They often work in bad weather, like cold wind, hail, and rain, to clean mud and dirt from the cobblestones. They do this work quietly, away from the cameras and officials. Their passion is to make sure the race can continue and that champions can still lift their cobbled trophy high.

Winners and Records

Winners by Year

		Rider	Team
1896		Fischer, JosefJosef Fischer		Diamant
1897		Garin, MauriceMaurice Garin		–
1898		Garin, MauriceMaurice Garin		–
1899		Champion, AlbertAlbert Champion		–
1900		Bouhours, ÉmileÉmile Bouhours		–
1901		Lesna, LucienLucien Lesna		–
1902		Lesna, LucienLucien Lesna		–
1903		Aucouturier, HippolyteHippolyte Aucouturier		Peugeot
1904		Aucouturier, HippolyteHippolyte Aucouturier		Peugeot
1905		Trousselier, LouisLouis Trousselier		Peugeot–Wolber
1906		Cornet, HenriHenri Cornet		–
1907		Passerieu, GeorgesGeorges Passerieu		Peugeot–Wolber
1908		Hauwaert, Cyrille vanCyrille van Hauwaert		Alcyon–Dunlop
1909		Lapize, OctaveOctave Lapize		Biguet–Dunlop
1910		Lapize, OctaveOctave Lapize		Alcyon–Dunlop
1911		Lapize, OctaveOctave Lapize		La Française–Diamant
1912		Crupelandt, CharlesCharles Crupelandt		La Française–Diamant
1913		Faber, FrançoisFrançois Faber		Peugeot–Wolber
1914		Crupelandt, CharlesCharles Crupelandt		La Française–Hutchinson
1915	No race
1916	No race
1917	No race
1918	No race
1919		Pelissier, HenriHenri Pélissier		La Sportive
1920		Deman, PaulPaul Deman		La Sportive
1921		Pelissier, HenriHenri Pélissier		La Sportive
1922		Dejonghe, AlbertAlbert Dejonghe		La Française
1923		Suter, HeiriHeiri Suter		Gurtner–Hutchinson
1924		Hevel, Jules vanJules van Hevel		Wonder–Russell
1925		Sellier, FelixFélix Sellier		Alcyon–Dunlop
1926		Delbecque, JulienJulien Delbecque		Alcyon–Dunlop
1927		Ronsse, GeorgesGeorges Ronsse		Automoto
1928		Leducq, AndreAndré Leducq		Alcyon–Dunlop
1929		Meunier, CharlesCharles Meunier		La Française–Diamant–Dunlop
1930		Vervaecke, JulienJulien Vervaecke		Alcyon–Dunlop
1931		Rebry, GastonGaston Rebry		Alcyon–Dunlop
1932		Gijssels, RomainRomain Gijssels		Dilecta–Wolber
1933		Maes, SylvereSylvère Maes		Alcyon–Dunlop
1934		Rebry, GastonGaston Rebry		Alcyon–Dunlop
1935		Rebry, GastonGaston Rebry		Alcyon–Dunlop
1936		Speicher, GeorgesGeorges Speicher		Alcyon–Dunlop
1937		Rossi, JulesJules Rossi		Alcyon–Dunlop
1938		Storme, LucienLucien Storme		Mercier–Hutchinson
1939		Masson Jr., EmileÉmile Masson Jr.		Alcyon–Dunlop
1940	No race
1941	No race
1942	No race
1943		Kint, MarcelMarcel Kint		Mercier–Hutchinson
1944		Desimpelaere, MauriceMaurice Desimpelaere		Alcyon–Dunlop
1945		Maye, PaulPaul Maye		Alcyon–Dunlop
1946		Claes, GeorgesGeorges Claes		Rochet–Dunlop
1947		Claes, GeorgesGeorges Claes		Rochet–Dunlop
1948		Steenbergen, Rik VanRik Van Steenbergen		Mercier–Hutchinson
1949		Mahe, AndreAndré Mahé (FRA) (victory shared with Coppi, SerseSerse Coppi)	Stella–Dunlop
1949		Coppi, SerseSerse Coppi (ITA) (victory shared with Mahe, AndreAndré Mahé)	Bianchi–Ursus
1950		Coppi, FaustoFausto Coppi		Bianchi–Pirelli
1951		Bevilacqua, AntonioAntonio Bevilacqua		Benotto–Ursus
1952		Steenbergen, Rik VanRik Van Steenbergen		Mercier–Hutchinson
1953		Derycke, GermainGermain Derycke		Alcyon–Dunlop
1954		Impanis, RaymondRaymond Impanis		Mercier–BP–Hutchinson
1955		Forestier, JeanJean Forestier		Follis–Dunlop
1956		Bobet, LouisonLouison Bobet		Mercier–BP–Hutchinson
1957		Bruyne, Fred DeFred De Bruyne		Carpano–Coppi
1958		Vandaele, LeonLeon Vandaele		Faema–Guerra
1959		Fore, NoelNoël Foré		Groene Leeuw–Sinalco–SAS
1960		Cerami, PinoPino Cerami		Peugeot–BP–Dunlop
1961		Looy, Rik VanRik Van Looy		Faema
1962		Looy, Rik VanRik Van Looy		Flandria–Faema–Clément
1963		Daems, EmileEmile Daems		Peugeot–BP–Englebert
1964		Post, PeterPeter Post		Flandria–Romeo
1965		Looy, Rik VanRik Van Looy		Solo–Superia
1966		Gimondi, FeliceFelice Gimondi		Salvarani
1967		Janssen, JanJan Janssen		Pelforth–Sauvage–Lejeune
1968		Merckx, EddyEddy Merckx		Faema
1969		Godefroot, WalterWalter Godefroot		Flandria–De Clerck–Krüger
1970		Merckx, EddyEddy Merckx		Faemino–Faema
1971		Rosiers, RogerRoger Rosiers		Bic
1972		De Vlaeminck, RogerRoger De Vlaeminck		Dreher
1973		Merckx, EddyEddy Merckx		Molteni
1974		De Vlaeminck, RogerRoger De Vlaeminck		Brooklyn
1975		De Vlaeminck, RogerRoger De Vlaeminck		Brooklyn
1976		Demeyer, MarcMarc Demeyer		Flandria–Velda–West Vlaams Vleesbedrijf
1977		De Vlaeminck, RogerRoger De Vlaeminck		Brooklyn
1978		Moser, FrancescoFrancesco Moser		Sanson–Campagnolo
1979		Moser, FrancescoFrancesco Moser		Sanson–Luxor TV–Campagnolo
1980		Moser, FrancescoFrancesco Moser		Sanson–Campagnolo
1981		Hinault, BernardBernard Hinault		Renault–Elf–Gitane
1982		Raas, JanJan Raas		TI–Raleigh–Campagnolo
1983		Kuiper, HennieHennie Kuiper		J. Aernoudt–Rossin
1984		Kelly, SeanSean Kelly		Skil–Reydel–Sem–Mavic
1985		Madiot, MarcMarc Madiot		Renault–Elf
1986		Kelly, SeanSean Kelly		Kas
1987		Vanderaerden, EricEric Vanderaerden		Panasonic–Isostar
1988		Demol, DirkDirk Demol		AD Renting–Mini-Flat–Enerday
1989		Wampers, Jean-MarieJean-Marie Wampers		Panasonic–Isostar–Colnago–Agu
1990		Planckaert, EddyEddy Planckaert		Panasonic–Sportlife
1991		Madiot, MarcMarc Madiot		RMO
1992		Duclos-Lassalle, GilbertGilbert Duclos-Lassalle		Z
1993		Duclos-Lassalle, GilbertGilbert Duclos-Lassalle		GAN
1994		Tchmil, AndreiAndrei Tchmil		Lotto
1995		Ballerini, FrancoFranco Ballerini		Mapei–GB–Latexco
1996		Museeuw, JohanJohan Museeuw		Mapei–GB
1997		Guesdon, FredericFrédéric Guesdon		Française des Jeux
1998		Ballerini, FrancoFranco Ballerini		Mapei–Bricobi
1999		Tafi, AndreaAndrea Tafi		Mapei–Quick-Step
2000		Museeuw, JohanJohan Museeuw		Mapei–Quick-Step
2001		Knaven, ServaisServais Knaven		Domo–Farm Frites–Latexco
2002		Museeuw, JohanJohan Museeuw		Domo–Farm Frites
2003		Van Petegem, PeterPeter Van Petegem		Lotto–Domo
2004		Backstedt, MagnusMagnus Bäckstedt		Alessio–Bianchi
2005		Boonen, TomTom Boonen		Quick-Step–Innergetic
2006		Cancellara, FabianFabian Cancellara		Team CSC
2007		O'Grady, StuartStuart O'Grady		Team CSC
2008		Boonen, TomTom Boonen		Quick-Step
2009		Boonen, TomTom Boonen		Quick-Step
2010		Cancellara, FabianFabian Cancellara		Team Saxo Bank
2011		Vansummeren, JohanJohan Vansummeren		Garmin–Cervélo
2012		Boonen, TomTom Boonen		Omega Pharma–Quick-Step
2013		Cancellara, FabianFabian Cancellara		RadioShack–Leopard
2014		Terpstra, NikiNiki Terpstra		Omega Pharma–Quick-Step
2015		Degenkolb, JohnJohn Degenkolb		Team Giant–Alpecin
2016		Hayman, MathewMathew Hayman		Orica–GreenEDGE
2017		Van Avermaet, GregGreg Van Avermaet		BMC Racing Team
2018		Sagan, PeterPeter Sagan		Bora–Hansgrohe
2019		Gilbert, PhilippePhilippe Gilbert		Deceuninck–Quick-Step
2020	No race
2021		Colbrelli, SonnySonny Colbrelli		Team Bahrain Victorious
2022		van Baarle, DylanDylan van Baarle		Ineos Grenadiers
2023		van der Poel, MathieuMathieu van der Poel		Alpecin–Deceuninck
2024		van der Poel, MathieuMathieu van der Poel		Alpecin–Deceuninck

Wins by Country

Wins	Country
57	Belgium
28	France
14	Italy
9	Netherlands
4	Switzerland
2	Australia  Germany  Ireland
1	Luxembourg Moldova  Slovakia  Sweden

Most Individual Victories

Fastest Races

Rider	Avg. speed	Year	Distance
Mathieu van der Poel (NED)	47.80 km/h (29.70 mph)	2024	259.7 km (161.4 mi)
Mathieu van der Poel (NED)	46.84 km/h (29.11 mph)	2023	256.6 km (159.4 mi)
Dylan van Baarle (NED)	45.79 km/h (28.45 mph)	2022	257.2 km (159.8 mi)
Greg Van Avermaet (BEL)	45.20 km/h (28.09 mph)	2017	257.0 km (159.7 mi)
Peter Post (NED)	45.13 km/h (28.04 mph)	1964	265.0 km (164.7 mi)
Fabian Cancellara (SUI)	44.19 km/h (27.46 mph)	2013	254.5 km (158.1 mi)
Rik Van Steenbergen (BEL)	43.99 km/h (27.33 mph)	1948	246 km (153 mi)
Mathew Hayman (AUS)	43.91 km/h (27.28 mph)	2016	257.5 km (160.0 mi)
Peter Sagan (SVK)	43.55 km/h (27.06 mph)	2018	257.0 km (159.7 mi)
Pino Cerami (BEL)	43.54 km/h (27.05 mph)	1960	262.5 km (163.1 mi)
Tom Boonen (BEL)	43.48 km/h (27.02 mph)	2012	257.5 km (160.0 mi)}}
John Degenkolb (GER)	43.48 km/h (27.02 mph)	2015	253.5 km (157.5 mi)}}
Tom Boonen (BEL)	43.41 km/h (26.97 mph)	2008	259.5 km (161.2 mi)}}

• The record by Peter Post was set on an older course with fewer cobbles.

Other Race Records

• Most races finished – 16 times, by Raymond Impanis, Servais Knaven, and Mathew Hayman.
• Oldest winner – Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle, who was 38 years and 8 months old in 1993.
• Biggest winning gap (after WWII) – 5 minutes and 21 seconds, when Eddy Merckx won in 1970.
• Closest finish – 1 centimeter, between Eddy Planckaert and Steve Bauer in 1990.
• Slowest victory – 12 hours and 15 minutes, in 1919. This was because the roads were destroyed after World War I.
• Longest winning solo ride – 60 km, by Andrei Tchmil in 1994 and Mathieu van der Poel in 2024.

Other Cobbled Races

Paris–Roubaix is often compared to the Tour of Flanders in Belgium. Both are famous for their cobblestones. Paris–Roubaix is flatter and has tougher cobbles. The Tour of Flanders has many hills, some of which are also cobbled.

Other spring races like Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and Gent–Wevelgem also feature many cobblestones.

Winners of Paris–Roubaix and
Tour of Flanders (in the same year)

Rider	Year
Heiri Suter (SUI)	1923
Romain Gijssels (BEL)	1932
Gaston Rebry (BEL)	1934
Raymond Impanis (BEL)	1954
Fred De Bruyne (BEL)	1957
Rik Van Looy (BEL)	1962
Roger De Vlaeminck (BEL)	1977
Peter Van Petegem (BEL)	2003
Tom Boonen (BEL)	2005
Fabian Cancellara (SUI)	2010
Tom Boonen (BEL)	2012
Fabian Cancellara (SUI)	2013
Mathieu van der Poel (NED)	2024

Related Cycling Events

• U23 Paris–Roubaix: This is a race for younger, developing cyclists (under 23 years old).
• Paris–Roubaix Cyclo: This event lets amateur cyclists ride on the same famous cobbled sections. They can choose different distances. All who finish get a small cobblestone trophy.
• Paris–Roubaix Femmes: Since 2021, there has been a professional women's race. It uses the same tough terrain as the men's race, but over a shorter distance.

In the United States, some races or cycling events are named "Roubaix" because they also feature difficult or mixed terrain.

Images for kids

• 

  Winners since 1977 have received a mounted cobble (sett); the organisers keep a gold-plated cobble for themselves

• 

  Tom Boonen followed by Fabian Cancellara in the 2008 Paris–Roubaix

See also

In Spanish: París-Roubaix para niños