Alberta-born cyclist makes Canadian history with win at Paris-Roubaix
A Canadian professional cyclist from Alberta became the new queen of cobble traction this past weekend with a win at the famed Paris-Roubaix Femmes race.
Alison Jackson is the third woman and the first Canadian to win the esteemed one-day race.
"It's a big deal for Canada," Jackson told CTV News Edmonton.
Born and raised on a bison farm east of Edmonton in Vermilion, Jackson first competed in triathlon as a young adult. She transitioned to professional cycling after finishing her studies at Trinity Western University.
Jackson finished 32nd at the 2020 Summer Olympics and won both the Canadian National Road Race Championships and National Time Trial Championships the year after. She also has dozens of top-10 finishes in European and North American events.
Alison Jackson shows off pins from around the world of place she has competed at (Supplied).
While the Olympics may be the most recognizable win for a professional athlete, Jackson says this race represents one of the most prized achievements for cyclists.
First run in 1896, Paris-Roubaix is one of the oldest professional road cycling races. It has been run yearly except during the COVID-19 pandemic and the two world wars.
"For a long time, we really petitioned for this race to have a women's race and really fighting for equality," Jackson explained. "It was a real triumph for women's sport."
"This race is totally for the fans," she added. "It's such a spectator race. There's so much action and things that happen that make it entertaining."
Most of the 145-kilometre route goes through bumpy terrain and cobblestones. Riders also have to contend with less-than-ideal weather conditions.
"It's really rough on the body," Jackson shared. "It's really rough on the equipment.
"So the type of rider that wins is going to be someone who's had a lot of good luck, has put themselves in the right position [and] has a fighting spirit.
"What I love about cycling now is the game inside the race. So it's not just the strongest who wins but the smartest on when you use your energy and timing."
Alison Jackson competes at the Paris-Roubaix Femmes race on Sunday, April 9, 2023 (Source: Gruger Images).
The winner of Paris-Roubaix gets a special trophy modelled after the type of bumpy cobblestones riders race upon.
"It's such a good memory of what you had to go through in the race," Jackson said with a smile. "My whole career has been trying to win big at bike races like this."
"It's really hard to do and pretty rare to be the winner," she added. "This is eight years of my life working up to something like this. It's so satisfying."
Alison Jackson of Canada holds the trophy after winning the women's Paris Roubaix ahead of Katia Ragusa of Italy, left and second place, and Marthe Truyen of Belgium, right and third place, at the velodrome in Roubaix, northern France, Saturday, April 8, 2023 (AP Photo/Michel Spingler).
Her entire family was watching and cheering her on back at the farm in Vermilion on Easter Sunday, said Mavis Farkash, Jackson's mother.
"We were just yelling and screaming at the computer screen: go, go, go!" Farkash recalled. "It was exciting to see her pull ahead and win the race.
"It's a dream come true for her," she added. "For me, it's always a little nerve-wracking following the race and watching her. It's exciting to see her, especially coming to the end of a race when she's in a good position."
After a brief respite, Jackson will compete in several European circuit events and then fly to Panama for the Pan American road championship from April 18 to 23.
She will be in Edmonton this summer to compete in the national road cycling event.
"She loves competing," Farkash said. "It's just part of her personality."
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Miriam Valdes-Carletti
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.