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Paris – Roubaix: Van der Poel wins the mother of all classics for the first time

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Van der Poel Paris Roubaix

Cycling: Mathieu van der Poel won Paris – Roubaix. The Dutchman was able to confidently assert himself against his opponents in an exciting race – and the fastest race of all times. John Degenkolb also presented himself strongly. However, the German's hopes of another podium finish in the mother of all classics were dashed when he fell with around 17km to go. Nevertheless, he can be proud of his seventh place.

Van der Poel Paris Roubaix

Van der Poel: Aggressive driving style & good teamwork

For the first time in his career Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) won the Paris – Roubaix one-day race. The Dutchman can look forward to his third monument after his successes at the Ronde van Vlaanderen and Milan - Sanremo. After being the most aggressive and active driver throughout the race, he also benefited from a defect in his big opponent in the final kilometers wout van aert (Jumbo - Visma). He also owes his success to his strong Alpecin – Deceuninck team. The Belgian team was at times represented by three in the group of favorites when the competition was already isolated. It was also particularly strong John Degenkolb (DSM). The German missed another possible podium just by a fall a few kilometers before the finish line, which the two pros from Alpecin – Deceuninck were also responsible for. Nevertheless, they were the team of the hour, also because Jasper Phillipsen was finally even able to make the double victory perfect.

Jumbo – Visma makes a preliminary decision early on

The big exchange of blows between the favorites began more than 100 kilometers before the finish. In the cobblestone section of Haveluy, the Jumbo – Visma team pushed ahead wout van aert and Christophe Laporte the pace suddenly. Only a few professionals were able to follow immediately or make the leap forward again a few minutes later. The Alpecin – Deceuninck team was particularly attentive. Next to captain Mathieu van der Poel found themselves too Jasper Phillipsen and Gianni Vermeersch in the favorites group again. Also included: Stefan Kung (Groupama – FDJ), John Degenkolb (DSM), Filippo Gana (Ineos Grenadiers), Mads pedersen (Trek - Segafredo), Max Walscheid (Cofidis) and Laurence Rex (Intermarché-Circus-Wanty).

4 Germans in the top group

When the favorites in the peloton caused a severe decimation, the breakaways were still at the front of the race. In addition to the two Germans Jonah Koch (Bora – hansgrohe) and Yuri Hollman (Movistar) also succeeded the Dutchman Sjoerd Bax (UAE) to race with the winning contenders for a while after being caught. There Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) but kept pushing the pace, at some point they were no longer able to hold the rear wheel. The same was true for teammates Gianni Vermeersch (Alpecin – Deceuninck), Laurence Rex (Intermarché – Circus – Wanty) and Max Walscheid (Cofidis). Had to before Christophe Laporte (Jumbo – Visma) because he broke down at a bad time. The Frenchman fell back into the peloton and then tried desperately with his teammate Nathan Van Hooydonck (Jumbo – Visma) and Florian Vermeersch (Lotto – Dstny) to get back up front.

Degenkolb falls, van Aert attacks and has a defect

17 kilometers from the finish was the dream of John Degenkolb (DSM) over, Paris – Roubaix for the second time after 2015 to win. In sector five he avoided the cobblestones on the right side of the road, but was pulled off his bike by both pros from the Alpecin – Deceuninck team. At the same moment sat wout van aert (Jumbo – Visma) his attack. Only Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin – Deceuninck) could follow. The Belgian then had to change his rear wheel due to a defect – and the race for victory was over. The Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel ran away and could not be caught. In the chasing group behind him, it was all about the places next to him on the podium.

Tags:Hell of the NorthThe mother of all classicsfeaturedFilippo GanaJasper PhillipsenJohn DegenkolbMads pedersenMathieu van der PoelNewsParis-RoubaixStefan Kungwout van aert

More than Michael Behringer

Cycling with all its tactics, stage analyses, placements and forecasts are Michael Behringer's great passion. In 1996 he tracked his first Tour de France. Since then he has observed almost every race. His passion for cycling has been with him for over two decades. There is no end in sight.