Paris-Roubaix Stars (w): Same as the top Tour favorites

Lotte Kubicki will also make her spring debut in Liège, but doubts are increasingly being expressed on the sidelines about the world champion's form. You even read in the English-language media that our compatriot should save her classic campaign on Saturday.

After a mixed tour in Flanders, the Kopecky was said to lack explosiveness on the slopes, but this characteristic is less important on the cobblestones of northern France.

With its big engine, it should still be able to win its “dream race.” After finishing 15th, 2nd and 7th in recent years, Are You Laughing in Hell?

Marianne Vos's trophy cabinet is full, but the 36-year-old cycling champion will happily make room for a cobblestone.

Paris-Roubaix is ​​another blind spot in Vos' honors list, as he came second in the first edition, missed an episode due to coronavirus and finished 10th last year.

SD Worx-Protime lacks storage space to store all the victors and trophies, but still no check mark next to Paris-Roubaix after 3 attempts.

Demi Wohlring is not present, but Lorena Wiebes – increasingly versatile – is a worthy replacement for leader Lotti Kubicki. Similar to Jasper Philipsen?

Wiebes can rely on her sprinting, and Pfeiffer Georgi has to gamble on offense. With ninth and eighth place finishes in the past, she has already proven that she does not shy away from the cobbled list.

With her skills as a roller, a healthy dose of aggression and a powerful finishing shot, Emma Norsgaard could also play a leading role.

The Dane has designed her spring around this race and her husband Mikkel Berg's fourth place at the Tour of Flanders will give her an extra boost.

Lidl-Trek has had an excellent spring, but is missing its 2021 and 2022 winners with Lizzie Deignan (broken arm) and Elisa Longo Borghini (Tour winner Focuses on the Ardennes).

To take over, Elisa Balsamo, Lucinda Brand and Ellen van Dijk are being considered. Balsamo has not yet achieved any progress in 3 starts (far from it), but she is still at the top of her level after her short journey in recent weeks.

After her pregnancy, Van Dyke is gradually returning to her best form, and as a crossover champion, Brand must also feel like a fish in water on the cobbles.

Perhaps the danger still comes from the Italian corner with Chiara Consoni, who, despite her small stature, finished ninth last year and confirmed that she should not be ignored.

You should never rule out an upset, just think of Allison Jackson last year. Can the Canadian – the only previous starting winner – perform the stunts again?