Paris-Roubaix is always a race that is hard to predict, especially for the women's peloton who have only raced two editions in different circumstances. However, even those with the very best cycling expertise would have been surprised at how today’s Paris-Roubaix Femmes eventually unfolded.
It all boiled down to a sprint finish in the iconic velodrome, with EF Education-TIBCO-SVB rider Alison Jackson crossing the finish line first in absolute disbelief.
Jackson formed part of the early breakaway alongside 18 other riders including Alice Towers (Canyon-SRAM), Femke Markus (SD Worx) and Julia Borgström (AG Insurance - Soudal - Quick-Step), leading the race with a lead that got up to five minutes. The chasing group behind, featuring many of the race's favourites, had some work to do to bring them in.
With several attacks and decisive crashes behind, the breakaway managed to hold their own and lead the way into the velodrome, finishing off an exciting day with an even more exciting finish as the six riders who remained sprinted for the 2023 title.
Elisa Longo-Borghini was back at this year's Paris-Roubaix Femmes, looking to defend her title.
Paris-Roubaix Femmes is one of the most anticipated Classics, not only in the women's WorldTour calendar, but for cycling fans too.
Fans line the streets, looking forward to seeing the women's peloton battle it out over the brutal cobbles.
Fans of all ages come out to see the third edition of the women's race.
Alison Jackson was part of the early breakaway who were never caught by the chasing group, pushing all the way to the finish line.
The women's peloton had 17 cobblestone sections to deal with during the 145.4km-long route.
Fans cheering on the women's peloton.
Trek-Segafredo has dominated Paris-Roubaix Femmes, winning the 2021 and 2022 edition.
Daniek Hengeveld (Team DSM) pulled away from the breakaway, pushing on solo for over 30km.
Former champion Longo-Borghini put in an impressive performance today at Paris-Roubaix Femmes, but a nasty crash put her out of contention, coming 21st overall.
Lotte Kopecky (SD Worx) was a firm favourite for today's race after her sensational Classics season so far. She made her attack with 51km to go but couldn't shake some of the riders who stuck to her wheel.
Fans line the cobbles, where all the action happens.
Seven riders from the early break entered the velodrome for the final laps.
In the last few metres, a crash for SD Worx brought an end to their winning reign this Classics season.
It was nail-biting sprint finish, but it was Alison Jackson who had the most give in the final few metres.
Crossing the finish line in complete astonishment, this win is a career defining moment for the Canadian rider.
A dust and dirt cover Marianne Vos (Jumbo Visma) speaks to the media after her second Paris-Roubaix Femmes. Having to miss last year's race due to Covid, she came an impressive 10th place today.
Jackson claims the Queen of the Classics for 2023.
