As the anticipation builds for the men’s Paris-Roubaix race on Sunday, weather forecasts are suggesting that riders could face challenging conditions, with rain potentially adding an extra layer of difficulty to the iconic cobbled classics.
After a week of stunning weather in northwest Europe, including sun-soaked days during the Tour of Flanders, the forecast for Paris-Roubaix weekend appears to be changing. While the dry conditions of northern France would make for a more comfortable ride, especially on the demanding pavé, the prospect of rain could make the race much more unpredictable.
According to meteorologists, Sunday’s forecast for the men’s race shows a significant chance of rain. If the showers arrive as predicted, it will mark the first wet Paris-Roubaix since 2021, when Sonny Colbrelli triumphed in an October edition. The last time a spring edition was affected by rain was in 2002, when Johan Museeuw claimed his final victory.
The inclusion of rain would alter the race dynamics, making the already grueling cobbles even more treacherous. As seen in 2021, when Lizzie Deignan won with a solo breakaway in the mud, the wet conditions made the race far more chaotic and difficult. In addition to being physically demanding, the wet cobbles are slippery, requiring heightened concentration from the riders.
Météo France, the country’s official weather service, predicts showers throughout Saturday, with a moderate confidence level of 3/5 in the forecast. Meanwhile, U.S. weather service AccuWeather reports a 60% chance of precipitation on Sunday, particularly in the afternoon, while BBC Weather forecasts rain throughout the day, a scenario that may add a sense of unpredictability to the race.
The Paris-Roubaix Femmes, held on Saturday, is expected to remain dry, with no rain forecast before the race. This means the women’s event will likely be dusty and dry, although conditions could turn slippery for the men’s race on Sunday. However, since the rain is expected to fall during the race, it may not churn up the off-road areas to the same extent seen in previous wet editions.
The potential for rain also raises concerns for riders like Tadej Pogačar, who is preparing for his first Paris-Roubaix. While the Slovenian has experience riding the cobbles in dry conditions, including during the Tour de France, he has yet to face the added challenge of wet weather. UAE Team Emirates will no doubt be cautious about the risk of a crash, especially with the Tour de France looming on the horizon.
Some riders thrive in harsher conditions, and Lidl-Trek’s Mads Pedersen may be among those hoping for rain to make the race even more brutal.
Additionally, rain could impact riders’ technical choices, with many teams already opting for wider tires. Should the weather turn muddy, teams may opt for even wider tires to ensure maximum traction on the slippery cobbles.
As the race approaches, all eyes will be on the weather forecast, and riders and teams alike will be preparing for what could be a thrilling and unpredictable Paris-Roubaix.
Related topics
- Frame-Builder Launches Online Hub to Preserve Traditional Craft for Gen-Z
- Ineos Grenadiers CEO Provides Update on Sponsor Search
- Man’s Attempt to 3D Print Canyon Aeroad Bike Fails, but Company Sends Him the Real Thing