The controlled deflection roll comprises a stationary, non-rotating roll support member and a roll shell mounted to rotate about the stationary roll support member. The roll shell is not directly supported at the stationary roll support member by means of hydraulic support elements, but through the intermediary of additionally provided traveling rings each of which defines a travel path for the related hydraulic support element. The traveling rings have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the roll shell and they are arranged to be rotatable independently of the roll shell. During operation of the controlled deflection roll the traveling rings, therefore, roll along the inner surface of the roll shell. As a result, the flexibility of the roll shell is improved in circumferential direction as well as transversely to the pressing line of the controlled deflection roller. In this arrangement stiffness of the roll shell in circumferential direction is insured by the traveling rings. Undue deformations of the roll shell are thereby prevented and the force requirements are reduced.