Paris-Roubaix needs little introduction. The race is brutal, heroic, and unpredictable all at once. The 2025 edition covers 260 kilometres and includes 29 cobbled sectors – adding up to 55.7 kilometres of pounding over the rough northern French stones. Iconic stretches such as Mons-en-Pévèle, Trouée d’Arenberg, and Carrefour de l’Arbre remain key moments in the race.

According to Head of Racing Grischa Niermann, the Hell of the North is one of the team’s main targets this spring. “Like every year, this is one of our spring classics highlights. We’re starting with a strong and motivated group of riders. But just like in Flanders, we have to be honest: we’re not the top favourites to win this race.”

Team Visma | Lease a Bike has a solid history in Roubaix, including podium finishes for Van Aert. The Belgian star, who considers Paris-Roubaix one of his favourite races, finished second in 2022 behind current teammate Dylan van Baarle and took third in 2023 after a late puncture derailed his chances.

“I’m coming in with a good feeling from last week”, Van Aert said. “In both Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Ronde van Vlaanderen, I felt strong, and as a team, we raced really well. That gives confidence. Unfortunately, there were always a few others just that bit stronger. We’ll be up against the same guys in Roubaix, a race I always look forward to. So once again, we’ll need a good plan to try and surprise the top favourites.”

After a difficult Opening Weekend, Niermann sees clear improvement in recent weeks. “We’re definitely growing throughout this spring campaign. In both Flanders and Dwars door Vlaanderen, we were able to play our strength in numbers. That’s something we’ll carry with us into Roubaix”, said the German.

One standout name on the roster is 19-year-old Matthew Brennan. The British neo-pro only made his debut in the pro peloton a few months ago but will already be part of the lineup in the Hell of the North. It’s a deliberate move, says Niermann: “Matthew has surprised us several times already. That he already has three pro wins to his name is remarkable. Given how fast he’s developing, we’ve adjusted his schedule. He was originally supposed to race more with the Development Team, but we feel he’s outgrown that level. In a monument like Paris-Roubaix, he still has everything to learn. The opportunity came up to bring him, and we believe this will be a valuable experience for him.”

For Brennan himself, the start feels like an early reward. “I keep surprising myself week after week in my first pro season – not just in results, but also in the races I’m doing. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was my first real classic, and it left me wanting more. I was blown away. GP Denain was my next race, and to win there straight away was really special. I’m massively looking forward to Sunday. Paris-Roubaix is the kind of race young riders dream about. To be starting it already feels like an incredibly valuable investment in my future”, the young Brit explained.

The comparisons with GP Denain are easily made. Brennan won there using the Gravaa system – which allowed him to adjust tire pressure mid-race – powering to a sprint victory from a reduced lead group on a course often dubbed a mini-Roubaix.

Alongside Van Aert and Brennan, Team Visma | Lease a Bike's lineup for Sunday includes Van Baarle, Per Strand Hagenes, Niklas Behrens, Edoardo Affini, and Julien Vermote.