Image: The Lufkin Daily News

Wout Van Aert Beats Tadej Pogacar to Win First Paris-Roubaix Title

12 April, 2026.Sports.16 sources

Key Takeaways

Wout van Aert out-sprinted Tadej Pogačar to win Paris-Roubaix 2026.
This marked Van Aert's first Paris-Roubaix title.
The race set a record as the fastest edition in history.

Van Aert Triumphs

Wout van Aert secured his first Paris-Roubaix victory on April 12, 2026, beating world champion Tadej Pogacar in a dramatic sprint finish.

“Wout van Aert beat four-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar in a thrilling sprint finish to win the Paris-Roubaix title”

BBC

Van Aert dedicated the victory to his late teammate Michael Goolaerts.

BBC

The race was shaped by repeated mechanical setbacks, with Pogacar forced to change bikes three times and Mathieu van der Poel suffering multiple punctures.

Van Aert and Pogacar broke clear with about 53 kilometers remaining and stayed together until the finish.

Race Drama and Mechanical Woes

The Paris-Roubaix is known as the 'Hell of the North' for its brutal cobbled sectors.

Pogacar punctured with about 120 kilometers left and had to use a neutral service bike.

belganewsagency.eu

Van der Poel suffered two punctures and a botched bike change, emerging over two minutes behind.

Van Aert suffered a puncture with around 70 kilometers left but fought back to rejoin the front group.

Van Aert's Emotional Victory

Van Aert's victory ended a seven-year Belgian drought in Paris-Roubaix.

“Wout van Aert finally secured the victory that has evaded him for nearly a decade by winning the 2026 Paris-Roubaix ahead of Tadej Pogačar – and, in doing so, set a new record for the fastest edition of the race in history (48”