The so-called ‘hell of the north’, one of the toughest races in cycling, is heaven, a paradise, for Mathieu Van der Poel. The Dutchman won how and when he wanted the 121st edition of Paris-Roubaix (259km), the fastest in history. The Alpecin leader only left the excitement for the other places on the podium, second Jasper Philipsen and third Mads Pedersen in a tight sprint.
Poulidor’s grandson won for the second year in a row in ‘the classic of the classics’, something that had not been seen since Tom Boonen achieved it in 2008 and 2009. He added his sixth monument, and the third for his team this year , with a portentous attack with 59.7 km to go that had no response. He negotiated the cobble sectors, a total of 55 km, with mastery and power. No one could challenge a talented rider in great shape, current world champion, who had just won the Tour of Flanders. “I really enjoyed it. I had dreamed of this double since I was a child,” he said after getting off the bike.
Van der Poel gave his first sign of superiority in the Arenberg forest with 95 km to go. He drew up the chicane, included this year due to the dangerousness of the section, and in the cobbled area he tightened the screws on Pedersen (Lidl-Trek), his great rival. The Dane made up for a puncture, helped by Vacek to reach the peloton, but when he seemed to control the front group, supported by his gregariousness, Van der Poel blew up all strategy.
Neutralized at 66 km the escapees, Küng, Vermeersch and Politt, the Dutchman took advantage of the next passage through the cobbles to begin his solo exhibition. He began to gain seconds of advantage while doubts reigned behind. The attack eliminated Pedersen’s teammates, who was left almost without support to attempt the reaction.
Finally the Dane joined Philipsen, Politt and Küng. By then the difference was insurmountable, which grew to three minutes. More than a kilometer away, Van der Poel continued his monologue, only lowering his heart rate when entering, in the final meters, the André-Pétrieux velodrome, where he received a well-deserved mass bath after a monumental triumph.
