Sports12 April, 20261 min read
Wout Van Aert Beats Tadej Pogacar to Win First Paris-Roubaix Title
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Wout van Aert out-sprinted Tadej Pogačar to win Paris-Roubaix 2026. This marked Van Aert's first Paris-Roubaix title.
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. Van Aert dedicated the victory to his late teammate Michael Goolaerts.
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.
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. He had finished second in 2022, third in 2023, and fourth in 2025.
Pogacar acknowledged Van Aert's strength. The women's race saw Germany's Franziska Koch upset Dutch legend Marianne Vos.