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France 12 Apr 2026 Class 1.Ncup – 1 day – UCI Class Nations’ Cup
Website asso.nordnet.fr/veloclubroubaix/
Email veloclubroubaix@orange.fr
Paris-Roubaix Juniors One Day Race
The Luxembourgish national team for the 2026 Paris-Roubaix Juniors consisted of six riders. They were assigned the bib numbers in the 160s block.
Luxembourg National Team Startlist (Junior Men)
| Bib | Rider | Team |
| 161 | Maximilien Outlet | Luxembourg |
| 162 | Ben Koenig | Luxembourg |
| 163 | Dave Cichy | Luxembourg |
| 164 | Loris Morbé | Luxembourg |
| 165 | Yanis Molter | Luxembourg |
| 166 | Thijs Konig | Luxembourg |
## Weekend Schedule (April 11–12, 2026)
| Event | Date | Location |
| Paris-Roubaix Challenge (Amateurs) | Saturday, April 11 | Routes of 70km, 145km, and 170km |
| Paris-Roubaix Juniors | Sunday, April 12 | Avesnes to Roubaix (105 km) |
| Paris-Roubaix U23 | Sunday, April 12 | Le Cateau-Cambrésis to Roubaix (155 km) |
| Elite Men’s Race | Sunday, April 12 | Compiègne to Roubaix |
| Elite Women’s Race | Sunday, April 12 | Denain to Roubaix |
The 2026 Paris-Roubaix Juniors (held on Sunday, April 12) was a challenging race that saw a high rate of attrition. Below are the results for the participating Luxembourgish riders and a summary of the podium.
Luxembourgish Riders Performance
The race was particularly tough for the Luxembourgish squad, with only one rider officially reaching the velodrome in Roubaix.
| Rank | Rider | Team | Time / Gap |
| 87th | Maximilien Outlet | Luxembourg | + 7′ 32″ |
| DNF | Hugo Lambert II | Luxembourg | — |
| DNF | Yanis Molter | Luxembourg | — |
| DNF | Thijs Konig | Luxembourg | — |
Podium & Race Summary
The race was won by Thijs Wiersma of the Netherlands, who broke away to secure a solo victory. The chasing group arrived just seconds later to fight for the remaining podium spots.
- 1st Place: Thijs Wiersma (Netherlands) — 2h 26′ 42″
- 2nd Place: Karl Herzog (Germany) — + 0″
- 3rd Place: Alban Picard (France) — + 2″
The 2026 edition was noted for its incredible speed, with the lead group maintaining an average pace of nearly 49 km/h, setting a blistering tempo that contributed to many riders being unable to finish (DNF) due to crashes or mechanicals on the cobblestone sectors.
The Paris-Roubaix Juniors (often called Le Pavé de Roubaix) is one of the most prestigious events on the youth cycling calendar. Established as a proving ground for the next generation of “Classics” specialists, it is a centerpiece of the UCI Junior Nations’ Cup (1.Ncup).
## Origins and Early History
The race was first organized in 2003 by the Vélo-Club de Roubaix Lille Métropole. Its mission was to provide 17- and 18-year-old riders with the unique challenge of the northern French cobbles before they move into the professional ranks.
- The First Winner: Anthony Colin (France) took the inaugural title in 2003.
- The Geraint Thomas Era: In 2004, the second edition was won by Geraint Thomas, who would go on to win the Tour de France, cementing the race’s reputation for identifying elite talent.
## The “Save the Race” Campaign (2019)
A defining moment in the race’s history occurred in 2019 when it faced imminent cancellation due to a budget shortfall of €10,000.
- John Degenkolb, the 2015 elite Paris-Roubaix winner, launched a crowdfunding campaign to save it.
- The goal was reached within 24 hours. In recognition, the organizers named a four-star cobblestone sector (d’Hornaing à Wandignies-Ham) after Degenkolb—the first time a sector was named after an active rider.
## Race Significance & Format
The race is a UCI 1.Ncup event, meaning it is part of the Nations Cup where riders represent their national teams rather than trade teams. It serves as a vital scouting event for WorldTour teams.
- Distance: Usually ranges between 110 km and 120 km.
- The Cobbles: While shorter than the pro race, it includes roughly 17 sectors of pavé, including the legendary Mons-en-Pévèle and Carrefour de l’Arbre.
- The Finish: Like the elites, the juniors finish with one and a half laps of the iconic Vélodrome André-Pétrieux in Roubaix.
## Notable Past Winners
The “Honor Roll” of Paris-Roubaix Juniors reads like a Who’s Who of modern cycling:
| Year | Winner | Future Achievement |
| 2004 | Geraint Thomas (GBR) | Tour de France Winner |
| 2008 | Andrew Fenn (GBR) | Pro Classics Specialist |
| 2010 | Jasper Stuyven (BEL) | Milan-San Remo Winner |
| 2013 | Mads Pedersen (DEN) | World Champion |
| 2017 | Tom Pidcock (GBR) | Olympic Gold (MTB) & TDF Stage Winner |
| 2024 | Jakob Omrzel (SLO) | Rising Star |
## Recent Trends
In recent years, the race has seen a shift toward more international dominance. While the early 2000s were dominated by French and Belgian riders, recent editions have seen a string of victories from Great Britain, the Netherlands, and Slovenia, reflecting the global expansion of high-level junior development programs.
Luxembourg has a strong tradition in the Paris-Roubaix Juniors (UCI 1.Ncup), and for the 2026 edition, the national team continues to be a competitive presence in the field of 136 riders.
## Recent & Historic Highlights
Luxembourgish riders have frequently used this race as a launchpad for professional careers:
- Niels Michotte (2022): Michotte is one of the most successful recent Luxembourgish juniors in this race, securing a notable victory in 2022. This win was a major milestone for Luxembourgish youth cycling, proving that the nation’s riders can master the harsh “Hell of the North” terrain.
- Bob Jungels: While famously known for winning the Paris-Roubaix Espoirs (U23) in 2012, Jungels’ development through the Luxembourgish junior ranks set the blueprint for local riders tackling the cobbles.
## 2026 Entry & Notable Names
For the 2026 race, the Luxembourg National Team is focused on development and aggressive racing. While the final six-man roster often sees tactical adjustments up to the morning of the race, the following riders have been the backbone of the Luxembourgish Junior National Team’s recent campaigns:
- David Loschetter: A strong all-rounder who has shown resilience in northern classics-style races.
- Fynn Ury: Known for his power on flatter, wind-exposed sections.
- Rick Meylender: Often cited as a versatile rider capable of surviving the selection processes of high-intensity 1.Ncup events.
## The “SaF Zéisseng” Influence
Many of Luxembourg’s top juniors come through the Schifflange (SaF Zéisseng) program, which is a key feeder for the national team. This club has a history of preparing riders for the technical demands of French and Belgian cobbles, ensuring that the riders starting in Compiègne for the Junior edition are well-drilled in “pavé” positioning.
## What to Watch For
Luxembourgish juniors typically excel in the mid-race “attrition” phase. Unlike the Belgian or French teams, which often try to blow the race apart on the early sectors, the Luxembourgish strategy often revolves around keeping their leader protected until Sector 11 (Mons-en-Pévèle) to ensure they are in the front group entering the final 30 km.
