As the sixth edition of Paris–Roubaix Femmes Hauts-de-France draws near, one question remains: who will succeed Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in 2026? A stunning performance catapulted the French rider to victory on her very first attempt. Once again, the world cycling elite will shine on the cobblestones of Paris–Roubaix Femmes Hauts-de-France, thrilling the crowds and adding a new chapter to the legend of cycling. Welcome to Roubaix, the city that has transformed its thousand chimneys and former industrial bastions into fertile ground for creativity, experimentation and innovation.
Roubaix, a land of cycling… and soft mobility
The long-standing connection between Roubaix and cycling is epitomised by the Paris–Roubaix Hauts-de-France classic. The city is home to the Parc des Sports, a unique cycling complex in Europe. At its heart stands the historic André Pétrieux Velodrome, where cycling legends proudly lift the iconic cobblestone trophy. It is complemented by the Jean Stablinski indoor velodrome, which hosts national and international competitions.
Finally, the BMX Race track hosts the annual BMX Open and, since June 2025, a 6,600 m² pumptrack dedicated to urban riding. In the years to come, the 15-hectare Parc des Sports will be transformed into a metropolitan cycling hub, combining sport, heritage, soft mobility, housing and commerce. This project, led by the Lille European Metropolis, includes the modernisation of existing facilities and the creation of a Paris–Roubaix Hauts-de-France Museum.
Roubaix is also shaped by its cycling culture through the Vélo Club de Roubaix and its UCI Continental team, Van Rysel–Roubaix Lille Métropole, which promotes professional cycling across the Nord department and the wider Hauts-de-France region.
The city continues to expand its cycling infrastructure, now exceeding one hundred kilometres of bike lanes covering the entire municipality. It also benefits from 33 bicycle-sharing stations, complemented since 2021 by a fleet of 100 e-bikes and 500 e-scooters distributed across 135 stations. Strongly committed to sport, Roubaix proudly holds the “Terre d’Excellence Cycliste” and “Cycle City” labels, as well as the 4-laurel “Ville active & sportive” distinction.
A city of art and history
The history and heritage of Roubaix are rich and worth discovering. Since receiving the “Ville d’art et d’histoire” label in 2001, the city has continuously reinterpreted its past. In Roubaix, heritage goes far beyond historic buildings and is deeply embedded in everyday life.
Roubaix lives up to this promise with La Piscine Museum, which attracts over 280,000 visitors each year, as well as reinvented spaces such as La Condition Publique, a true laboratory for cultural, social, urban and environmental innovation. Other must-see sites include La Manufacture, dedicated to textile history, the churches of Saint Joseph and Saint Martin, the Motte-Bossut factory, the City Hall and Parc Barbieux, the largest urban park north of Paris.