Cycling: Nils Politt (Katusha – Alpecin) just missed out on victory in Paris – Roubaix. The German presented himself in an impressive form and in the end only had to give way to Philippe Gilbert (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) in the sprint on the velodrome.
Politt, Haller & Schär early on the offensive
The Queen of all classics invited the pros to a 257-kilometer ride from Compiègne to the Vélodrome in Roubaix. There were no fewer than 54,5 cobblestone passages to be completed, spread over 29 sectors. With cool but pleasant temperatures, it took more than an hour of racing before the first group of the day could form. Among others, the Swiss were there Michael Schar (CCC), the Austrian Mark Haller (Katusha – Alpecin) and the German Nils Politt (Katusha – Alpecin), as well as European Champion Matteo Trentin (Mitchelton-Scott). However, since the breakaway group was too strong, Team Sky in particular, who was not represented at the front, did not give up, so that the field almost closed the first pavé sectors.
Selection 55 kilometers from the finish
Around 100 kilometers before the finish, a top driver from the group of favorites said goodbye. alexander kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) did not come back after a defect before the forest of Arenberg. wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) suffered a puncture in exactly this sector and then fell in a corner while trying to catch up. However, the Belgian didn't give up and rolled back into the ever-shrinking peloton. After a short period of rest formed with the two Germans Nils Politt (Katusha – Alpecin), Rüdiger Selig (Bora – hansgrohe) and the Belgian Philip Gilbert (Deceuninck – Quick-Step) a strong trio. However, the different balance of power and the tactical aspects ensured that they did not harmonize and a chasing group with Peter Sagan (Bora – hansgrohe), wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma), Yves Lampaert (Deceuninck – Quick Step) and Sep Vanmarcke (EF Education First) was able to reconnect.
Sextet forces preliminary decision
Während Rüdiger Selig could no longer follow his companions, the remaining sextet increased the lead over the main field. Due to the harmony in the group, it quickly became clear that Sagan, Politt, Gilbert, Lampaert, Vanmarcke and van Aert will now fight for victory among themselves. Around 25 kilometers from the finish, however, the harmony was over when the Quick-Step duo began to play off their numerical superiority. Philip Gilbert attacked and peter sagan, and Nils Politt jumped on its rear wheel. wout van aert was the one who suffered, because after his races to catch up, his stove suddenly went out. This also recognized Yves Lampaert. The Belgian went with me Sep Vanmarcke on the rear wheel back to the trio forward. Now five professionals were still eligible as winners.
Politt is defeated only by Gilbert in Roubaix
14 kilometers from the finish political on the offensive. Gilbert followed, but the other three professionals seemed flat. What made it even more difficult was that Lampaert of course didn't want to lead Vanmarcke had difficulties due to a technical defect and didn't take part anyway History allowed to arrive in Roubaix on the rear wheel. Meanwhile, the top duo Gilbert/Polit harmonized well, as both believed they could beat their opponent in the sprint. The lead grew to over half a minute - and first and second place were taken. At the Roubaix Velodrome, Politt was in first position. But he failed to choose the inside lane at the right moment and thus force Gilbert to take the longer way around the outside. The experienced Belgian was able to win the fourth monument after the Tour of Lombardy, Liège - Bastogne - Liège and the Tour of Flanders.
🔻 Relive last kilometer and Philippe Gilbert's win. 🏁
🔻 Revivez the final kilometer and the victory @PhilippeGilbert. 🏁#ParisRoubaix pic.twitter.com/xmqkmLo6sZ
— Paris-Roubaix (@Paris_Roubaix) 14 April 2019