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Lara Gillespie (UAE Team ADQ) delivered a standout performance in her Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift debut, marking a significant milestone for Irish cycling. The 23-year-old showcased her growing talent by finishing in 18th place, just 3:26 behind winner Pauline Ferrand-Prévot (Visma | Lease a Bike). Gillespie’s result is particularly notable as it represents the best Irish finish in an elite Paris-Roubaix since Sean Kelly’s 15th-place finish in 1989. Her performance demonstrated her ability to compete at the highest level of women’s cycling, particularly in one of the toughest one-day races on the calendar.
Gillespie was part of the leading group of around 20 riders deep into the finale. However, when Ferrand-Prévot launched a decisive attack with 25km to go, the race dynamics shifted. Ferrand-Prévot, a debutant in the event, caught and dropped lone leader Emma Norsgaard (Lidl-Trek) on the infamous Camphin-en-Pévèle cobblestone sector. From there, the Frenchwoman powered solo to victory, crossing the line in the Roubaix velodrome to massive applause. Meanwhile, world and European champion Lotte Kopecky (Team SD Worx – Protime) led the chase but was unable to close the gap, finishing 58 seconds behind in 2nd place. Lorena Wiebes (Team SD Worx – Protime) secured 3rd, outsprinting Marianne Vos (Team Visma | Lease a Bike) and Alison Jackson (EF Education-Oatly) on the track.
Gillespie’s race began to unravel on the brutal Carrefour de l’Arbre sector, where the chasing group was reduced significantly. Despite losing contact with the front runners, she continued to fight and crossed the line solo, securing a commendable 18th place. Her performance not only highlights her potential but also marks a significant chapter in Irish cycling history, reigniting memories of Kelly’s era.
Adding to the Irish contingent, Fiona Mangan (Winspace Orange Seal) also made her Paris-Roubaix debut. The Irish champion, who is still recovering from a serious early-season crash, showcased immense determination by finishing the race. Although she was 21 minutes behind the winner and outside the time limit, Mangan’s completion of ‘Hell of the North’ in just her second race back is a testament to her resilience and grit.
The race itself was dominated by Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, who delivered a masterclass in tactical racing. Her solo breakaway in the final 25km cemented her status as one of the sport’s most versatile riders, adding Paris-Roubaix to her already illustrious palmarès. The victory was particularly poignant for French cycling fans, who celebrated her triumph in the iconic Roubaix velodrome.
For Gillespie, this performance is a significant step forward in her career. Competing against some of the best riders in the world, she demonstrated her ability to handle the grueling demands of Paris-Roubaix. Her result bodes well for future editions of the race, where she could potentially improve on her debut finish.
Mangan’s achievement, though outside the time limit, is equally noteworthy. Her ability to complete such a challenging race after a serious injury is a testament to her determination and mental toughness. Both riders have added to the growing reputation of Irish cycling on the international stage.
In summary, Lara Gillespie’s 18th-place finish at Paris-Roubaix Femmes avec Zwift is a landmark moment for Irish cycling, echoing the legacy of Sean Kelly. Fiona Mangan’s completion of the race, despite being outside the time limit, further underscores the resilience and talent of Irish riders. Pauline Ferrand-Prévot’s solo victory was the highlight of the day, but Gillespie’s performance ensures that Irish cycling continues to make waves on the global stage.
