Paris-Roubaix Femmes 2021: A day in cycling history

There aren't many days in cycling that could earn the status of a true moment in history. Today Paris-Roubaix marked the first women's edition of the race, and one of the most impressive solo victories the race has ever witnessed.

A picture tells a thousand words, and so here are some images that capture the unique chaos of the first women's Paris-Roubaix.

From the first cobbled sector, 38km into the race, Lizzie Deignan made her winning move – riding 80km solo to victory. Live coverage wasn't recording at the time, but Rouleur happened to be standing at the exact spot it took place.

Behind, an agitated Vos was in the group, presumably assuming it was a passing move.

By the 78km mark, at the Mons-en-Pévèle 5* pave section, the race had been truly blown to pieces.

World Champion Elisa Balsamo made her first appearance in the rainbow jersey, and was within the first (fragmented) batch of riders.

See some of the world's best riders at Rouleur Live this November

A wet velodrome welcomed the riders, for the first time in history, to the finish of a women's Paris-Roubaix.

Related – Lizzie Deignan's radical Paris-Roubaix bike