“It’s hard to believe, but I did it again,” were the first words of the Dutchman. World champion Mathieu Van der Poel (Alpecin Deceuninck) once he entered the finish line as the winner for the second year in a row of Paris Roubaix.
“It’s hard to believe, and I did it again with our team. Alpecin-Deceuninck is probably stronger than last year. I’m very proud of my teammates,” said the triple winner of the Tour of Flanders and double of Roubaix.
Van der Poel (Kapellen, 29 years old)won in his style, like the unstoppable champion, in an attack 60 kilometers from the finish line that eliminated all his rivals.
“Actually that was not the plan. I just wanted to make the race difficult from there. That was my strong point. I felt super good today and knew there is a tailwind most of the way to the finish. I had a really good day, ” he explained.
Van der Poel said that he is very motivated this season and always has the idea to respect the jersey he wears, but “it exceeded expectations and I have no words to describe what I am experiencing,” he explained.
Despite his dominance in the last km, the World Road Champion never felt that he had won until the last part of the race, when he was more than 3 minutes ahead of his pursuers.
“A puncture is always possible in this race, but my lead was big and the support car was with me. That allowed me to enjoy it more than last week in Flanders, where I was really at the limit, but today I felt incredible,” he commented.
A very special achievement to wear the world champion rainbow jersey.
“I never dreamed of something like this when I was young, and now I have no words to explain it.”
The second place went to him Belgian teammate Jasper Philipsen, winner in San Remopraised by the winner.
“I hope one day he wins here. Like last year, he showed that he can do it. We will try again next year, but now let’s enjoy ourselves and have a party,” he concluded.
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.
