What a day of racing! From Wout van Aert’s emotional win over world champ Tadej Pogačar, to Franziska Koch outsprinting Marianne Vos, to the very quick under-23 and junior men’s races, we cycling fans were treated to some great stuff.
Canadian Cycling Magazine’s James Bunga was in France for the race, and took all kinds of snaps–of the winners (and losers) and finishers, as well as all the action from the side of the road. You can truly see what a spectacle the day was, and just how damn tough it is on the cyclists.
Women’s race
In the women’s race, German champion Koch stunned a Visma-Lease a Bike duo to win Paris-Roubaix Femmes. Koch attacked repeatedly over Carrefour de l’Arbre, dropped Ferrand-Prévot late, and held her line in a tight two-up sprint to seal victory on Sunday afternoon. It was a great win for the FDJ United-Suez rider. National champ, and former winner Alison Jackson (St Michel-Preference Home-Auber 93) was the sole Canadian winner, coming in at 48th.
Franziska Koch outsprints legend Marianne Vos to win Paris-Roubaix
Men’s race
Van Aert took the win ahead of Pogi, with Soudal Quick-Step’s Jasper Stuyven rounding out the podium. Guillaume Boivin (NSN Cycling) unfortunately crashed out and broke his left scapula–thankfully no surgery is needed. That meant the sole Canadian finisher was Nickolas Zukowsky of the Pinarello-Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, who fought to the end finishing 137th.
U23 and u19 races
In the under-23 race, it was Davide Donati (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies) taking a terrific solo win. Toronto’s Ashlin Barry (Visma-Lease a Bike) was 12th. LaSalle Ont.’s Justin Picoux (Team COPPI – BO.Buro), finished 89th.
Ashlin Barry 12th at U23 Paris-Roubaix, Davide Donati wins
In the junior men’s race Thijs Wiersma, who rides for Visma’s feeder team, JEGG-SKIL-DJR, took the win. There were no Canucks in the under-19 event.
Here are some photos by James Bunga from the men’s race (and the women’s podium) to relive the day.