The route from Le Cateau-Cambrésis to Roubaix presented the U23 riders with the same challenge as the pros in the big edition of the classic. 23 pavé sectors characterised the race over 159 kilometres. The cobblestone passages not only demand physical strength, but also technical ability and tactical skill. The finale in the Roubaix velodrome has been the worthy conclusion to the "Hell of the North" for 130 years.
Davide Donati wins finish sprint
Davide Donati beat two strong rivals by a wafer-thin margin in the final sprint. Seth Dunwoody from the Bahrain Victorious Development Team took second place, while Guus van den Eijnden from the Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team finished third. The photo finish had to bring the final decision. The Italian from Brescia had mobilised all his remaining strength in the final metres of the race course. For the rider, who was born on 8 April 2005, it is one of the most significant successes of his still young career.
Davide Donati: Talent with sprinting power
Donati began his career in 2022 and quickly developed into one of Italy's most interesting young riders. His strengths lie not only in sprints, but also in time trials and classic races. He seems to have a feel for the right moment to attack. He celebrated his first stage win at professional level at the Tour de Wallonie 2025. He already has a total of three victories in this category to his name. His solid physique allows him to hold his own even on difficult terrain.
Cohesive team performance from the rookies
In addition to Donati's victory, the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe development team put in a strong performance. Dutchman Gijs Schoonvelde finished tenth and underlined the strength of the team. Paul Fietzke from Germany was present for a long time in the final and finished the race in 16th place. It was the sixth win of the season for the rookies team. Tim Meeusen, Director of Development, was delighted with the performance of his riders and emphasised that the team's concept was working.
View of Liège-Bastogne-Liège
The next test for the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe rookies is this coming Saturday. The U23 version of Liège-Bastogne-Liège awaits the young riders. With its steep climbs, the Belgian Ardennes classic poses completely different challenges to the cobbled sectors of Paris-Roubaix. Donati will try to take the form from northern France with him to Wallonia.
Kristian Bauer
Editor
