Paris Roubaix postponed until October 2021

The 2021 Paris-Roubaix race has been postponed until October, organisers have confirmed.

The widely expected move comes as France enters a national lockdown due to a third wave of Covid-19. Originally scheduled for 11 April, the 118th edition of the men's race will now take place on 3 October 2021.

The first edition of the women's race, Paris-Roubaix Femmes, has been rescheduled for the 2 October.

"For the UCI and the cycling community, it was very important that both races could take place in 2021, and I am delighted that new dates suitable for all parties have been found," said UCI President David Lappartient.

"Paris-Roubaix is one of the Monuments of the UCI WorldTour calendar, while Paris-Roubaix Women will be held for the first time this year as part of the UCI Women's WorldTour.

"It was therefore essential to find, together with all parties concerned, an appropriate postponement date, in keeping with the status of this mythical event so much appreciated by riders and fans, and whose female riders are looking forward to competing in the inaugural women's edition."

The sportive edition of Paris-Roubaix, which usually takes place the day before the pro race, was cancelled back in February.

Organisers said at the time, "We all had a difficult 2020 with precious few sporting challenges to tackle!

"Unfortunately, looking at the start of this year, and along with the local authorities, the organisation has made the difficult decision not to organise a Paris-Roubaix Challenge in 2021 and to challenge you to return to the Hell of the North in 2022!"

If you're interested in hearing when entries open for the 2022 edition, you can sign up to our email alerts.

DIY pavé

The race may be off, but with restrictions easing across the UK and parts of Europe cyclists will still be able to celebrate one of cycling's Monuments this April.

Rapha's annual tribute to Paris-Roubaix, A Day in Hell, sees organised rides take place at various locations worldwide on 10-11 April.

UK editions are already sold out, but details of the full programme are available on the Rapha website: www.rapha.cc.

And of course, there's nothing to stop you planning your own rough and rumbly ramble next weekend.