Franzi Koch's Roubaix Masterclass Caps Breakout Spring Season

The German champion overcame the odds to claim victory at Paris-Roubaix Femmes.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:08am

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A cubist, geometric painting featuring overlapping planes of bright colors representing the dynamic action and competition of the Paris-Roubaix Femmes race, capturing the energy and drama of Franzi Koch's victory.Franzi Koch's gutsy performance at Paris-Roubaix Femmes showcased her growing stature as one of the top all-around talents in women's cycling.Paris Today

Franzi Koch (FDJ United-Suez) pulled off a stunning victory at the Paris-Roubaix Femmes, beating out cycling legends Marianne Vos and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot in the finale. Koch's triumph capped off a breakout spring season where she has emerged as a key domestique for her team, setting up victories for her teammates while also securing several top-10 finishes in her own right.

Why it matters

Koch's Paris-Roubaix victory is a major breakthrough for the 25-year-old German rider, who has quietly established herself as one of the top all-around talents in the women's peloton. Her performance this spring underscores the growing strength and depth of the FDJ United-Suez team, which has become a dominant force in the sport.

The details

Despite facing long odds against cycling legends Vos and Ferrand-Prévot in the finale, Koch attacked repeatedly in the last 24km, distancing her rivals before outsprinting them in the velodrome to claim the biggest win of her career. Koch's ferocious riding this spring, including key support roles at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, and Tour of Flanders, laid the groundwork for her Paris-Roubaix triumph.

  • Koch attacked on sector 6 with 24km to go, distancing Blanka Vas.
  • In the final 45km, Koch was part of the winning three-rider move that formed after Ferrand-Prévot's attack.
  • Koch and Vos battled it out in the velodrome sprint, with Koch emerging victorious.

The players

Franzi Koch

A 25-year-old German champion who rides for the FDJ United-Suez team. She has emerged as a key domestique for the squad while also securing several top-10 finishes in her own right this spring.

Marianne Vos

A legendary Dutch cyclist with over 250 professional victories, including world and Olympic titles on the track. She was one of Koch's main rivals in the Paris-Roubaix Femmes finale.

Pauline Ferrand-Prévot

The defending Paris-Roubaix Femmes champion, Ferrand-Prévot is another all-time great who was part of the winning trio with Koch and Vos.

Demi Vollering

The taliswoman of the FDJ United-Suez team, Vollering has benefited from Koch's support in several key races this spring.

Elise Chabbey

A rising star on the FDJ United-Suez team, Chabbey won Strade Bianche with Koch's assistance.

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What they’re saying

“Franzi Koch has been the glue holding our team together this spring. Her selfless riding has been instrumental to our success, and now she's proven she can win the biggest races herself.”

— Demi Vollering, FDJ United-Suez Rider

What’s next

Koch will look to carry her strong form into the Giro d'Italia Donne in June, where she will aim to support Vollering's bid for the overall title.

The takeaway

Koch's Paris-Roubaix triumph is a testament to her versatility and growing stature in the women's peloton. Her breakout spring has established her as one of the top all-around talents in the sport, and the 25-year-old appears poised for even greater success in the years to come.