Paris-Roubaix postponed until October due to COVID-19

The 2021 Paris-Roubaix and Paris-Roubaix Femmes have been postponed, organisers announced on Friday (AEDT).

Paris-Roubaix Source: SBS

Due to the current COVID-19 situation in France, the women's and men's Paris-Roubaix races will not go ahead this April 11th as planned.

The events have been moved to October 2nd for the women's race and October 3rd for the men - a decision reached by organisers in conjunction with French authorities, the teams and the riders.

"For the UCI and the cycling community, it was very important that both races could take place in 2021, and I am delighted that new dates suitable for all parties have been found," said UCI President David Lappartient.

"Paris-Roubaix is one of the Monuments of the UCI WorldTour calendar, while Paris-Roubaix Women will be held for the first time this year as part of the UCI Women's WorldTour.

"It was therefore essential to find, together with all parties concerned, an appropriate postponement date, in keeping with the status of this mythical event so much appreciated by riders and fans, and whose female riders are looking forward to competing in the inaugural women's edition.

Cycling Director of Amaury Sport Organisation, Christian Prudhomme, echoed the enthusiasm, saying: "An eminently popular classic, coveted by many great champions, followed by millions of fans and televised in 190 countries, Paris-Roubaix is also a source of pride for the whole of the Hauts de France region, which comes together every year with great enthusiasm.

"It is anchored in the region. It is part of its history.

"This is why we are pleased to announce that the Queen of the Classics will return in 2021 and that the competitors of the first ever women's edition will also discover its legendary route."