Paris-Roubaix Femmes: Ferrand-Prévot secures France's first ever victory
There were no back-to-back wins for Belgium's Lotte Kopecky in this year's Paris-Roubaix cycle race, but a historic triumph for French rider Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. The multi-discipline cyclist overcame an early crash to launch a decisive solo attack with 25km to go, breaking away from the peloton and never looking back.
Ferrand-Prévot is one of the most versatile riders of her generation. She has simultaneously held world titles in mountain biking, road racing and cyclo-cross - a feat unparalleled in cycling history. She is also the reigning gravel world champion, underlining her dominance on all terrains.
Her victory marks the first time a Frenchwoman has won the Paris-Roubaix Femmes, making it a landmark moment for French cycling on home soil.
Second place went to Italy’s Letizia Borghesi, who crossed the line 58 seconds later. Dutch rider Lorena Wiebes outsprinted her compatriot Marianne Vos to take third.
Defending champion Kopecky eased off in the final kilometres and finished 12th. The world champion had spent much of the race working at the front in support of Wiebes. Just last week, Kopecky claimed victory at the Tour of Flanders.
© BELGA PHOTO JASPER JACOBS
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