A cruel force of nature is loose on Arenberg forest and such was his ferocity and skill that no one could withstand him. He Dutch Mathieu Van der Poel andra is the top favorite for the final victory at 121st edition of Paris-Roubaixand the grandson of Poulidor It met the expectations placed on it, in an edition of the classic of classics that is tougher than ever, 259.7 kilometers and with more kilometers of cobblestone, 55.
The list of registered runners is lavish, except for Van Aertwho is still recovering from the hard fall he suffered in the classic Through Flanders, There is everything that can be expected. After the first hundred kilometers of warm-up before the arrival of the pavé, Van der Poel and his team, Alpinetake action, showing, as they did in final episode of Itzulia Juan Ayuso and the UAWell, that cycling is a sport that is an individual race, but as a team.
Within Arenberg forest, in its mythical pavé and under the magical gaze of the trees, Van der Poel He launched his first attack, forcing his pursuers to do their best to prevent the Dutchman from leaving, especially the Dane. Mads Pedersen. Mathieu tightened the rope, and some of his rivals began to feel the tired kilometers in their legs, and even in this edition the sun was shining and there was no mud, only the whipping of the wind was annoying.
Van der Poel’s patience
Van der Poel He secretly waited for 30 kilometers, until 60 kilometers from the finish line, yes, 60, he launched a second devastating attack that no one could follow. From this blow, the difference did not stop increasing. At 51 kilometers from the finish line the difference was 34 seconds, which became 1’57” at 39 km, 2’098″ at 27″ and three minutes at 15 kilometers from the finish line.
There are two speeds. Van der Poel was untied and from behind, Küng, Politt, Pedersen and Philipsen They are more focused on conserving energy and studying themselves with the aim of securing the two remaining places on the podium than on the hunt. Don Mathieu.
The final kilometers were a successful ride for Van der Poel, who entered the Roubaix Velodrome -VAndré-Pétrieux elodrome_ full, received as a hero, reaffirming the victory achieved last year and like Lopecky yesterday in the women’s edition, who achieved victory with the world champion jersey. Not bad, four editions will be held, one podium (3rd in 2021) and two victories (2023, 2024). Sixth Cycling Monument for Van der Poel, in a season in which he competed just five days after dominating cyclocross with an iron hand and in which he won E3 Saxo Classic, Through Flanders and the Paris-Roubaix. Next appointment, Amstel Gold Race on April 14, where Slovenian is not Tadej Pogacarwon in 2023.
CLASSIFICATIONS
1. Mathieu Van der Poel (PB/Alpecin) 5h25’58”
2.Jasper Philipsen (BEL/Alpecin) in 3′
3.Mads Pedersen (DIN/Lidl-Tek) id.
4.Nils Politt (ALE/UAE) id.
5.Stefan Küng (SUI/Groupama) at 3’15”
6.Gianni Vermeersch (BEL/Alpecin) at 3’47”
7.Laurence Pithie (NZ/Groupama) at 3’48”
8. Jordi Meeus (BEL/Bora) at 4’47”
9.Soren Waerenskjold (NOR/One-X) id.
10.Madis Mihkels (EST/Interarché) id.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Robert Maynard, and I am a passionate journalist with experience in sports writing. For the last few years, I have been writing for Today Times Live. My main focus has been on sports-related stories and features. With my strong background in journalism and extensive knowledge of the industry, I am able to provide readers with well-crafted pieces that are both informative and engaging.
