Roubaix chief hits out at Bas Tietema as rule change ends long standing tradition

In previous editions, the gates stayed open long after the winner finished. Even those well outside the time limit could still complete the race. Bas Tietema did exactly that in 2022, crossing the line as a rider for Bingoal Pauwels Sauces WB more than an hour after winner Dylan van Baarle.

That changes in 2026, largely because the men’s and women’s races will now take place on the same day.

Race director Thierry Gouvenou said to L'Equipe the new format makes the event more efficient, but also more complicated. With the women finishing later in Roubaix, organisers can no longer keep roads closed indefinitely. Riders who are too far behind risk being taken out of the race.

“If a rider is too far behind, we reserve the right to pull him out. A few years ago, we had a fool who rode Paris-Roubaix just for social media. He was dropped early, dragged himself along, and we were then reprimanded by the police for blocking the roads far too long.”

The remark was a clear reference to Tietema’s ride in 2022.

Tietema responded calmly to the comments during the team presentation on Saturday, where he was present with his Unibet Rose Rockets squad.

“I did read something,” the former professional said to In De Leiderstrui. “That day, I just tried to reach the finish as fast as possible.”

“In cycling, you always want to make it to the velodrome, but in this race it is even more special,” Tietema said. “I had some strong results there before, but in that elite race I mainly wanted to finish. I was far behind, but I did not want to give up in my favourite race.”