The classics season is upon us, and cycling fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the upcoming races. One of the most highly anticipated events is the Paris-Roubaix, which is set to take place on April 9th. As the race draws near, the start list is beginning to take shape, and here are 15 riders expected to be among the favorites.

Topping the list is Wout Van Aert of Jumbo-Visma, who has been in sensational form this season winning E3 Saxo Bank and helping his teammate to victory in Ghent-Wevelgem. He just placed fourth in the Tour of Flanders. After winning Milano-Sanremo in the past, he wants to add another monument to his list..

Arnaud De Lie of Lotto Dstny, who has also been in excellent form this season at just 21 years old . The Belgian rider has finished in the top 10 in several races this year, including the second in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and seventh in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. In Scheldeprijs yesterday, he placed sixth.

Christophe Laporte of Jumbo-Visma has enjoyed a successful start to the season helping van Aert and winning along the way. The French rider claimed victory Ghent-Wevelgem, Dwars door Vlaanderen, and is expected to be a strong contender at Paris-Roubaix.

Alpecin-Deceuninck has Jasper Philipsen, winner of Scheldeprijs and De Panne. He'll be a second option to Mathieu van der Poel, who is widely regarded as one of the most talented riders in the peloton. He won Milano-Sanremo this spring and tried his best to chase down Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates) in the Tour of Flanders.

Alexander Kristoff of Uno-X Pro Cycling Team, Arnaud Démare and Stefan Küng (Groupama-FDJ) are all expected to be strong contenders, as are Sep Vanmarcke (Israel-Premier Tech) and 2022 winner, Dylan Van Baarle of Jumbo-Visma.

Others to consider: Iván García Cortina of Movistar Team, Matteo Trentin of UAE Team Emirates, Matej Mohoric of Bahrain-Victorious, Trek-Segafredo's Edward Theuns and Mads Pedersen.

With the start list taking shape, cycling fans around the world are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be an exciting and hard-fought race. As the riders take to the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, eyes will be on the 15 riders, and those surprise ones, who are sure to provide plenty of drama and excitement.

FloBikes has the women's race live for Canada this Saturday and the men's Sunday.