Wout van Aert claimed Paris-Roubaix in spectacular fashion. The Belgian rider launched his decisive move with 50 kilometers to go before defeating Tadej Pogacar in a two-man sprint. The Monument victory, Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s first-ever men’s Paris-Roubaix triumph, was the result of outstanding teamwork.
“This victory means everything to me,” an emotional Van Aert said. “There were moments when I thought it might never happen for me, but giving up was never an option. My family, the team and I have been through so much. But we kept going, and I always felt everyone’s support. To me, this victory is the culmination of a lifetime’s work.”
Van Aert’s emotions were understandable as he dedicated the victory to Michael Goolaerts. “This one is for Michael Goolaerts, my former teammate. Since his passing, I think about him every time Paris-Roubaix comes around. Losing Michael caused so much pain for everyone, and to be able to win here for him means so much.”
In the 123rd edition of the French cobbled Monument, Team Visma | Lease a Bike showed itself prominently at the front from the outset. On the opening cobbled sector, the Dutch team immediately positioned itself among the leaders, ensuring strong representation in the front group.
With 100 kilometers remaining, the race exploded into life. Van Aert was the first rider into the Forest of Wallers, where the race split apart and only seven riders remained in contention, including Christophe Laporte. Misfortune then struck Van Aert, forcing the Belgian into chase mode. He fought his way back impressively and rejoined the front of the race with 60 kilometers to go.
Not long after, Van Aert launched another attack, with only Pogacar able to follow. The pair proved evenly matched as they rode together toward the Roubaix Velodrome. In the two-up sprint, Van Aert ultimately proved the stronger of the two, sealing one of the finest victories of his career.
“I had planned to attack, and when I made my move only Pogacar could follow. It was a crazy race with so much happening, but I felt incredibly strong. We worked well together, and it’s special to fight for victory against a champion like him.”
Head of Racing Grischa Niermann was equally full of praise for his team leader. “We are incredibly happy, and no one deserves this more than Wout. This victory means so much to him and to the team. He has come so close so many times, only to be beaten by someone just a little bit better. To see him finally do it, in what is perhaps the greatest one-day race on the calendar, is fantastic.”
