Paris-Roubiaix is just hours away but, this year, fans will be shown just half of the race coverage they got last year.
It’s not the showdown between Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel having its TV time slashed. UCI would never allow that, and there will be numerous hours of live race coverage. But the organising body seems fine with the women’s race, touted as a potential showdown pitting Visma’s twin stars Pauline Ferrand-Prevot and Marianne Vos against an all-star list including Lorena Wiebes, Elise Chabbey, Cat Ferguson, Elisa Balsamo, Lotte Kopecky and Canada’s own Roubaix winner, Allison Jackson, being cut to a scant 90 minutes of live broadcast.
That coverage won’t even include several of the more decisive cobbled sectors that organisers were so proud to include in the women’s edition this year.
The Cyclists Alliance, and many fans around the world, not happy. And quite rightfully so.
“Fans have shown they care”
“This is one of the biggest races on the calendar. A race that has quickly become a defining showcase for women’s cycling. And yet, just as momentum continues to build, visibility is being pulled back,” Cyclists Alliance posted on Instagram. “Progress in this sport is not guaranteed. It needs to be protected.”
The rider’s advocacy group says it’s not just about seeing how the race unfolds. “Coverage is not just about watching a race. It is about visibility, value, and the future of the sport.”
Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2026: Stacked field with multiple previous winners
But there are fans that want to see the race. Legions of them. And there are stats to prove it.
“Fans have already shown they care. The growth in audiences, engagement, and attention around races like Paris-Roubaix proves that the demand is there. Numbers from last week’s Tour of Flanders showed nearly one million viewers tuned in for the women’s race.”
Despite increasing numbers of viewers
“Silence makes it easier for decisions like this to continue. Pressure is what drives change,” CA says. “The race is tomorrow. People are watching. Make sure they know it matters.”
A call to action
The Cyclists Alliance says fans shouldn’t put up with this any longer. The group includes four calls to action to support women’s cycling and increase coverage. We’ve shared the organisations list below:
1. Watch wherever you can, and if access is limited, say something. Broadcasters and organisers need to hear that this matters.
2. Engage and talk about the race. Share it, post about it, follow along live, and bring others into it. The more noise around the race, the harder it is to ignore.
3. Support the riders and teams by engaging with their content and amplifying their stories.
4. And most importantly, Speak up. Call out the lack of coverage. Tag broadcasters. Tag UCI. Ask for better.