DYGERT AND KLÖSER SET FOR PARIS-ROUBAIX DEBUTS

CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto will ride through Northern France with an exciting and diverse lineup for Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift this Saturday, marking the second Monument weekend in a row.

Chloé Dygert, Maria Martins, Rosa Klöser, Chiara Consonni, Nastya Kolesava, and Zoe Bäckstedt will take on the legendary ‘Hell of the North’ – a race that, though only introduced in 2021, has already cemeted itself as a fixture on the calendar. Almost as unshakable as the iconic cobblestones that define it.

Chiara is one of just eleven active riders to have completed all four editions of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift, finishing each one inside the top 30, with her best result being ninth in 2023.

For Chloé, Saturday marks her debut on the Roubaix cobbles. Remarkably, it’s only her ninth-ever WorldTour one-day race, and her fifth this season alone. Regardless, it’s a race she’s long had circled.

“I’m looking forward to it. Roubaix was definitely a race I’ve always looked forward to, ever since I started cycling. Before I even knew that there wasn’t a women’s edition, but now that I know there is, it’s even more exciting.”

Balancing a busy schedule of both gravel and road, Rosa lines up for just her fourth road race of the year – and essentially, of her entire career. She’s buzzing with enthusiasm for Saturday’s challenge.

“I’m absolutely stoked and excited to be able to race Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift. It’s honestly a dream come true. It’s been on my list ever since I knew I had this opportunity to race road with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto. Paris-Roubaix has always been up there for me.”

With a handful of road races under her belt, Rosa says she’s getting more comfortable with each one, but acknowledges there’s still plenty to learn. Still, her off-road roots give her confidence on the cobbles.

“I feel comfortable doing such a challenging race because it reminds me of the challenges in gravel – the chunky cobbles and needing to always be switched on because there could be an obstacle around any corner.”

“I’m used to taking loose, sketchy corners at speed in gravel, so I think that’ll help. I’m also used to always keeping power on the pedals – and maybe that’s my key recommendation for Roubaix: never stop putting power down, or you’re screwed.”

“I must say though, I’m feeling really good about the Roubaix cobbles. I expected them to be even gnarlier because of all the hype and build-up, so I’m actually feeling quite optimistic. I think if you find a good flow, they’re manageable.”

Rosa hopes her background will allow her to be an asset for the team.

“I’m super excited to support the team as much as I can. We’re an ambitious team, always aiming high, so of course we’re going for the victory — and I hope I can play a small role. Maybe I can push the pace in the more technical sections, so that the girls are in an advantageous position to actually challenge for the win.”

This year’s Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift covers 148.5 kilometres, with 29.2 kilometres raced over cobbles. These are spread across 17 sectors, including the iconic Carrefour de l’Arbre and Mons-en-Pévèle, both rated five stars in difficulty and featured in the same finale used by the men’s race.

The course, famous for its unforgiving terrain, mud, and pavé, remains unchanged from previous editions, but consistency in the route doesn’t guarantee predictable racing. Weather conditions often play the biggest role in shaping the outcome – even a slight shift from dry to bone dry can dramatically alter the race. After a 50km loop south of Denain to jostle for position, establish a pecking order, and perhaps see an early break disappear up the road, the peloton returns to the town before heading north. Then, at 65km in, the first sector of cobbles appears.

On that note, despite the common label, the race isn’t technically ridden over cobbles. The infamous sectors are actually paved with granite setts – irregular, rough-hewn stone blocks designed to endure harsher conditions. Their durability only intensifies the brutality of riding across them.

Each of the four previous editions has delivered a different outcome. In 2021, a solo rider attacked at 80 kilometres to go. In 2022, the winning solo move went with 33km remaining. The 2023 race saw a seven-rider breakaway just hold off a large chase, while in 2024, a very select bunch sprinted for the win around the Roubaix velodrome.

The script for Paris–Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift is always open. Weather, crashes, punctures and pure chance all contribute to the chaos, but also the charm of this legendary race.

HOW TO FOLLOW

Paris Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift | 1.WWT | Saturday April 12 | 148.5km | 668m elevation | Start 13:00 CET – fastest finish 16:47.

Live coverage from 14:25 CET on France 3, Sporza, Eurosport/ Discovery Plus, TNT Sports, FloBikes (Canada), NBC (America), ESPN (South America), SBS Sports (Australia) and Supersport (Africa).

Stay updated on X with #ParisRoubaix and #ParisRoubaixFemmes, and follow CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto’s social channels for team updates.