CANYON//SRAM Racing’s roster for Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift is Shari Bossuyt,  Elise Chabbey, Tiffany Cromwell, Agnieszka Skalniak-Sójka, Alice Towers and Maike van der Duin. After a strong performance at last weekend’s Ronde van Vlaanderen, the team is looking forward to Saturday’s Queen of the Classics.

The third edition of the women’s race covers 145.4km and 17 pavè sectors. The overall length of the race has been extended, with a longer loop around the start town of Denain, before moving to the same pavè sectors as in 2022.

Also known as the Hell of the North, the highlights are the five-star sectors, Mons-en–Pévèle and Carrefour de l’Arbre, sectors 11 and 4, respectively. In the short history of the women’s race, both winners have crossed the line in the Roubaix velodrome solo. Both have already been alone when crossing the brutal Carrefour de l’Arbre, which comes less than 20km to the finish line. But the demands of Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift are not comparable to any other race, and predicting a winner is nigh impossible. A rider needs skill, mental toughness, tactics, strength, bravery, courage and a dash of luck.

Elise finished fourth in last year’s edition, narrowly missing the podium in a sprint from a 7-rider group. “We’ve done many course recons as a team and are confident in our equipment and physical preparation. Now we just need to prepare mentally for the fight on Saturday. From the start to the finish, it will be a battle, regardless of what position you’re in.”

“Last year, coming into the velodrome fighting for a podium spot was incredible. You have to believe that you will be there from the start of the race. That’s what our team is aiming for,” adds Elise, who has raced the first two editions along with teammates Shari and Tiffany.

For Agnieszka and Alice, it will be their first Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift.

Alice says, “I’m nervous and excited for my Paris-Roubaix debut. I did a recon with the team a few weeks ago, which was savage. I can’t compare those cobbles to anything I’ve done before. It’s really a unique feeling.”

“I’m looking forward to lining up with such a strong team. Watching how my teammates have been racing in the previous classics has inspired me and motivated me to be a part of some success this Saturday. Bring it on!”

HOW TO WATCH

Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift starts at 13:35CEST on Saturday, 8 April and can be followed on Twitter with #ParisRoubaixFemmes. Watch the race live from 15:00CEST on GCN, Eurosport, RTVF, VRT, DKTV2, Teledeporte, RAI Sport, TV2, NOS, France 3, SuperSport, ESPN, SBS, Flobikes, Senal Colombia, Peacock, J Sports, SSC, NBC Sports and Sky Sport.

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