{"id":1870604,"date":"2026-04-07T11:37:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T08:37:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1870604"},"modified":"2026-04-07T11:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T08:37:22","slug":"a-mud-bath-an-over-inflated-spare-tyre-and-a-domestique-holding-the-cobblestone-trophy-servais-knaven-relives-his-iconic-paris-roubaix-victory-25-years-on","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1870604","title":{"rendered":"A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nServais Knaven\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDan Challis <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-07T11:37:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman tells Cyclingnews how Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco completed a historic podium sweep, plus the one big change which has allowed Tadej Poga\u010dar to thrive on the pav\u00e9<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven&#8217;s victory has become iconic in the history of Roubaix<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-500779a2-aa89-4f6b-bc13-044da13ecaed\">The 2001 edition of Paris-Roubaix has its place in the annals of cycling history for a number of reasons. 25 years on, the race is remembered as the muddiest Roubaix ever, with crashes, mechanicals and the power of the brand new Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco team ripping the race to pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Managed by Patrick Lefevere, Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco swept the podium in a superlative display of strength. However, it wasn\u2019t Johan Museeuw or reigning world champion Romans Vainsteins sitting on top of the pile. That honour unexpectedly fell to Servais Knaven, a rider who has become synonymous with the Hell of the North ever since and jointly holds the record for the most finishes of the race with 16.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-500779a2-aa89-4f6b-bc13-044da13ecaed-2\">&#8220;It&#8217;s always been a special race for me from the first time I started. I fell in love immediately,&#8221; Knaven tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> a quarter of a century on. &#8220;Winning Roubaix was the best moment of my cycling career.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Knaven completed every edition of Roubaix between 1995 and 2010. For the Dutchman, racing on the cobblestones became his focus, and he would use his knowledge of the race and natural ability over the farm tracks of northern France to perfection in 2001.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-a-domestique-becomes-a-winner-3\">When a domestique becomes a winner<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-ef13ce1f-4ac6-4c51-bda1-c40ba95275c7\">Knaven went into the 99th edition of Paris-Roubaix with a focus on supporting his more decorated teammates. By 2001, Museeuw had won the Tour of Flanders three times and Roubaix twice (he would go on to win in the velodrome again the following year). Vainsteins had just finished on the podium of Milan-San Remo having claimed the rainbow bands six months earlier in Plouay. Others, such as Wilfried Peeters, also sat higher in the pecking order than Knaven.<\/p>\n<p>The team was feared by the rest of the peloton in the Classics that year, but up to that point had not yet landed a landmark victory.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was the first year of the team. We were really chasing a big win and we didn&#8217;t really have the best results until that day,&#8221; Knaven remembers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-893e3677-cf6b-4bd5-a637-042e1fe962df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The team proved their status as a fearsome Classics squad with 1-2-3 in Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5a3b5acf-73a7-4edc-8572-2bdb04869143\">In the days before the 2001 edition of Paris-Roubaix, the heavens had opened over the route, creating a covering of muddy sludge over the pav\u00e9. The surface under the wheels of the riders caused crashes early on. Many of those who avoided the falls suffered multiple mechanicals, including Knaven and Museeuw.<\/p>\n<p>Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco worked as a team and invested early in good positioning, with Knaven taking the wind.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was just helping to position ahead of the first section but because it was raining, after the first section, we were only left with ten or fifteen riders. Another ten came back but those guys were always a little bit on the back foot and we were always in a good position,&#8221; Knaven says.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;We were one team. We helped each other to be in the front at each section so we could avoid all the problems.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>One of the key moments of the race occurred at the fearsome Trou\u00e9e d\u2019Arenberg, which was almost unrideable in the conditions. Knaven worked on the front to position Museeuw before teammate Peeters launched an attack. With numbers in a small chasing group behind Peeters, the team could preserve energy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a27702e5-b743-44bb-862c-7fb5522243af\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven on the attack <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2d1d4ad1-53d2-4046-966a-8fdc3a4e34b1\">Peeters was caught within the final 25km, but Museeuw suffered a puncture, meaning the team had to wait for their leader. Once the Belgian was back in the group, it was time to finish the job. There were seven left in the front group, and four of them were representing Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco.<\/p>\n<p>The instruction from the car came through for the team to attack one after another.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s how we played the game in the final on the tarmac. That&#8217;s where the real game started,&#8221; Knaven says. He went with 10km to go at a railway crossing, immediately building a gap.<\/p>\n<p>Knaven never looked back and powered away from the group which contained the likes of George Hincapie. He arrived at the famous velodrome alone, 34 seconds ahead of Museeuw with a further seven back to Vainsteins who took the sprint from the chasing group for a historic 1-2-3 for Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco. Knaven wiped the mud off his jersey to reveal the sponsor\u2019s logo beneath and celebrated the biggest win he will ever take.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t remember anything at all about the finish, because you\u2019re so overwhelmed, you still cannot believe it,&#8221; says Knaven now.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The gear was way too big. I was totally empty,&#8221; he says of the final solo ride to the line. &#8220;You have the little climb towards Roubaix, which felt like Alpe d\u2019Huez for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8832c0a-cbba-4cc2-914f-33fe518c1b37\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven was in disbelief at the finish <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-18eeb83a-31d4-4b58-8d7d-9e2196afc4a7\">Knaven now heads up the fleet of Shimano neutral service vehicles for ASO and will return to the cobbles once more this year for Roubaix. In a strange mirroring, the now 55-year-old credits his 2001 win in part to a neutral service mechanic, who got him back on the bike after a puncture.<\/p>\n<p>The team ran lower tyre pressures than their rivals, giving them the advantage of extra grip on the slippery cobblestones. However, having a neutral service tyre on the back helped Knaven with his final attack.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I got a spare wheel from neutral service and the wheel was pumped really hard, so all the sections after that were the hardest of the whole day for me because I didn&#8217;t have the right tyre pressure. It was just a matter of surviving. But then looking back, with that hard tyre I could go a lot faster on the tarmac.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-new-era-at-paris-roubaix-3\">A new era at Paris-Roubaix<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3a8a757b-ee50-41f9-bc74-f6eec763582d\">The Hell of the North has changed a great deal since Knaven\u2019s win 25 years ago. In particular, the tech has moved forward: tyres are wider, tubeless has been introduced, bikes are stiffer and faster.<\/p>\n<p>The average speed at Roubaix has also never been higher than in the last four years, with a record of 47.8kph set by Mathieu van der Poel in 2024. The prevailing logic is that with higher speeds, the race opens up to lighter riders as the bikes glide over the stones, rather than bobble through them.<\/p>\n<p>This is one of the reasons, according to Knaven, that Tadej Poga\u010dar can contend for this Monument in his mission to win them all. The 2001 winner is in no doubt that the reigning world champion could win the race one day.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure, the tubeless tyres helped Poga\u010dar to be up there. I\u2019m not saying it&#8217;s only that, because he&#8217;s the best rider in the peloton, but it is super nice to see him being there in action and for him it is a big goal to try to win it, but for sure the tyres help.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you were very light and you were riding in the past you were bumping a lot more. Then, as a light rider, it was more of a disadvantage than for a heavy rider. I&#8217;m happy with that. It&#8217;s nice to see that nowadays the weight is less of an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-341d0808-edf3-4a80-86fa-4e2bde435788\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar hugely impressed on only his first Roubaix ride in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"it-s-something-that-s-in-you-3\">\u2018It\u2019s something that\u2019s in you\u2019<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-11aedd76-4a7a-4e95-86d2-ec56b9831ae0\">Famously, the bike that Knaven won upon 25 years ago has never been washed. It remains caked in mud and is now on display in the Rapha store in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n<p>The feeling that Paris-Roubaix emits for Knaven has never changed since he first cycled on those famous roads more than 30 years ago. Even though Knaven went on to win a stage of the Tour de France in 2003 and enjoy a successful career as a sports director with Team Sky and then AG Insurance-Soudal, it is that remarkable Sunday in April 2001 that he cherishes most of all and will be remembered for.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When I come back to do the recon [with the Shimano neutral service], it always gives a special feeling. Of course because I won it but even without winning, I think I would still have that special feeling for the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And when I ride the cobbles now \u2013 I&#8217;m not doing it a lot \u2013 but I still can ride the cobbles. It&#8217;s something that&#8217;s in you. Even though I\u2019m not going that fast anymore, I\u2019m still enjoying it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c6149506-03e8-4f89-a348-4ebb7be93fd5\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dan Challis<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Freelance writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dan is a freelance cycling journalist who has written for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> since 2023 alongside other work with <em>Cycling Weekly<\/em>, <em>Rouleur<\/em> and <em>Escape Collective<\/em>. Dan focuses much of his work on professional cycling beyond its traditional European heartlands and writes a regular Substack called Global Peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie past winners<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;While I regret his decision, I fully respect his desire for change&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s trainer to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after Tour de France <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brandon McNulty takes stay at UAE Team Emirates-XRG past decade mark with contract extension<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course at the Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"widgetArea17\" class=\"widget-area md:basis-1\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-1-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-1-3 page-widget-area-17\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"dynamic\" id=\"popular-data\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-dynamic widget-popular-data widget-dynamic-popular-data widget-dynamic-fter-popular-box\">\n<div class=\"wdn-fte-pb pos-relative space-t20\n\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-popularBox\" class=\"slice-container popular-box-slice popularBox slice-container-popularBox\">\n<section data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"popular-box\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__label__tab popular-box__label__tab--active\" role=\"heading\">LATEST 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soon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"page-content-onecol flex-1\nnews-article article\n\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"widget-area-group widget-area-group-2col flex flex-wrap box-border\">\n<div id=\"widgetArea16\" class=\"widget-area basis-full md:basis-2\/3 widget-area-g-md-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-lg-vp-2-3 widget-area-g-xl-vp-2-3 page-widget-area-16\">\n<div data-widget-type=\"hero\" id=\"hero\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-hero widget-hero widget-hero-hero widget-hero widget-hero-fter-news\">\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nServais Knaven\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDan Challis <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-07T11:37:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman tells Cyclingnews how Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco completed a historic podium sweep, plus the one big change which has allowed Tadej Poga\u010dar to thrive on the pav\u00e9<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our 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Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div data-widget-type=\"contentparsed\" id=\"content\" class=\"clear-both widget widget-contentparsed widget-content widget-contentparsed-content widget-content-parsed widget-content-parsed-content_document \">\n<div class=\"wcp-item-content\">\n<section class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"box less-space hero-image-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"mb-0\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven&#8217;s victory has become iconic in the history of Roubaix<\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-500779a2-aa89-4f6b-bc13-044da13ecaed\">The 2001 edition of Paris-Roubaix has its place in the annals of cycling history for a number of reasons. 25 years on, the race is remembered as the muddiest Roubaix ever, with crashes, mechanicals and the power of the brand new Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco team ripping the race to pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Managed by Patrick Lefevere, Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco swept the podium in a superlative display of strength. However, it wasn\u2019t Johan Museeuw or reigning world champion Romans Vainsteins sitting on top of the pile. That honour unexpectedly fell to Servais Knaven, a rider who has become synonymous with the Hell of the North ever since and jointly holds the record for the most finishes of the race with 16.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-500779a2-aa89-4f6b-bc13-044da13ecaed-2\">&#8220;It&#8217;s always been a special race for me from the first time I started. I fell in love immediately,&#8221; Knaven tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> a quarter of a century on. &#8220;Winning Roubaix was the best moment of my cycling career.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Knaven completed every edition of Roubaix between 1995 and 2010. For the Dutchman, racing on the cobblestones became his focus, and he would use his knowledge of the race and natural ability over the farm tracks of northern France to perfection in 2001.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-a-domestique-becomes-a-winner-3\">When a domestique becomes a winner<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-ef13ce1f-4ac6-4c51-bda1-c40ba95275c7\">Knaven went into the 99th edition of Paris-Roubaix with a focus on supporting his more decorated teammates. By 2001, Museeuw had won the Tour of Flanders three times and Roubaix twice (he would go on to win in the velodrome again the following year). Vainsteins had just finished on the podium of Milan-San Remo having claimed the rainbow bands six months earlier in Plouay. Others, such as Wilfried Peeters, also sat higher in the pecking order than Knaven.<\/p>\n<p>The team was feared by the rest of the peloton in the Classics that year, but up to that point had not yet landed a landmark victory.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was the first year of the team. We were really chasing a big win and we didn&#8217;t really have the best results until that day,&#8221; Knaven remembers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-893e3677-cf6b-4bd5-a637-042e1fe962df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The team proved their status as a fearsome Classics squad with 1-2-3 in Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5a3b5acf-73a7-4edc-8572-2bdb04869143\">In the days before the 2001 edition of Paris-Roubaix, the heavens had opened over the route, creating a covering of muddy sludge over the pav\u00e9. The surface under the wheels of the riders caused crashes early on. Many of those who avoided the falls suffered multiple mechanicals, including Knaven and Museeuw.<\/p>\n<p>Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco worked as a team and invested early in good positioning, with Knaven taking the wind.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was just helping to position ahead of the first section but because it was raining, after the first section, we were only left with ten or fifteen riders. Another ten came back but those guys were always a little bit on the back foot and we were always in a good position,&#8221; Knaven says.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;We were one team. We helped each other to be in the front at each section so we could avoid all the problems.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>One of the key moments of the race occurred at the fearsome Trou\u00e9e d\u2019Arenberg, which was almost unrideable in the conditions. Knaven worked on the front to position Museeuw before teammate Peeters launched an attack. With numbers in a small chasing group behind Peeters, the team could preserve energy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a27702e5-b743-44bb-862c-7fb5522243af\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven on the attack <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2d1d4ad1-53d2-4046-966a-8fdc3a4e34b1\">Peeters was caught within the final 25km, but Museeuw suffered a puncture, meaning the team had to wait for their leader. Once the Belgian was back in the group, it was time to finish the job. There were seven left in the front group, and four of them were representing Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco.<\/p>\n<p>The instruction from the car came through for the team to attack one after another.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s how we played the game in the final on the tarmac. That&#8217;s where the real game started,&#8221; Knaven says. He went with 10km to go at a railway crossing, immediately building a gap.<\/p>\n<p>Knaven never looked back and powered away from the group which contained the likes of George Hincapie. He arrived at the famous velodrome alone, 34 seconds ahead of Museeuw with a further seven back to Vainsteins who took the sprint from the chasing group for a historic 1-2-3 for Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco. Knaven wiped the mud off his jersey to reveal the sponsor\u2019s logo beneath and celebrated the biggest win he will ever take.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t remember anything at all about the finish, because you\u2019re so overwhelmed, you still cannot believe it,&#8221; says Knaven now.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The gear was way too big. I was totally empty,&#8221; he says of the final solo ride to the line. &#8220;You have the little climb towards Roubaix, which felt like Alpe d\u2019Huez for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8832c0a-cbba-4cc2-914f-33fe518c1b37\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven was in disbelief at the finish <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-18eeb83a-31d4-4b58-8d7d-9e2196afc4a7\">Knaven now heads up the fleet of Shimano neutral service vehicles for ASO and will return to the cobbles once more this year for Roubaix. In a strange mirroring, the now 55-year-old credits his 2001 win in part to a neutral service mechanic, who got him back on the bike after a puncture.<\/p>\n<p>The team ran lower tyre pressures than their rivals, giving them the advantage of extra grip on the slippery cobblestones. However, having a neutral service tyre on the back helped Knaven with his final attack.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I got a spare wheel from neutral service and the wheel was pumped really hard, so all the sections after that were the hardest of the whole day for me because I didn&#8217;t have the right tyre pressure. It was just a matter of surviving. But then looking back, with that hard tyre I could go a lot faster on the tarmac.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-new-era-at-paris-roubaix-3\">A new era at Paris-Roubaix<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3a8a757b-ee50-41f9-bc74-f6eec763582d\">The Hell of the North has changed a great deal since Knaven\u2019s win 25 years ago. In particular, the tech has moved forward: tyres are wider, tubeless has been introduced, bikes are stiffer and faster.<\/p>\n<p>The average speed at Roubaix has also never been higher than in the last four years, with a record of 47.8kph set by Mathieu van der Poel in 2024. The prevailing logic is that with higher speeds, the race opens up to lighter riders as the bikes glide over the stones, rather than bobble through them.<\/p>\n<p>This is one of the reasons, according to Knaven, that Tadej Poga\u010dar can contend for this Monument in his mission to win them all. The 2001 winner is in no doubt that the reigning world champion could win the race one day.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure, the tubeless tyres helped Poga\u010dar to be up there. I\u2019m not saying it&#8217;s only that, because he&#8217;s the best rider in the peloton, but it is super nice to see him being there in action and for him it is a big goal to try to win it, but for sure the tyres help.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you were very light and you were riding in the past you were bumping a lot more. Then, as a light rider, it was more of a disadvantage than for a heavy rider. I&#8217;m happy with that. It&#8217;s nice to see that nowadays the weight is less of an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-341d0808-edf3-4a80-86fa-4e2bde435788\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar hugely impressed on only his first Roubaix ride in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"it-s-something-that-s-in-you-3\">\u2018It\u2019s something that\u2019s in you\u2019<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-11aedd76-4a7a-4e95-86d2-ec56b9831ae0\">Famously, the bike that Knaven won upon 25 years ago has never been washed. It remains caked in mud and is now on display in the Rapha store in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n<p>The feeling that Paris-Roubaix emits for Knaven has never changed since he first cycled on those famous roads more than 30 years ago. Even though Knaven went on to win a stage of the Tour de France in 2003 and enjoy a successful career as a sports director with Team Sky and then AG Insurance-Soudal, it is that remarkable Sunday in April 2001 that he cherishes most of all and will be remembered for.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When I come back to do the recon [with the Shimano neutral service], it always gives a special feeling. Of course because I won it but even without winning, I think I would still have that special feeling for the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And when I ride the cobbles now \u2013 I&#8217;m not doing it a lot \u2013 but I still can ride the cobbles. It&#8217;s something that&#8217;s in you. Even though I\u2019m not going that fast anymore, I\u2019m still enjoying it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c6149506-03e8-4f89-a348-4ebb7be93fd5\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block mb-5\" id=\"articleTag\" data-component-name=\"PostArticleLinks\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"post-article-links\">\n<div class=\"border-b border-b-black border-solid py-2.5 text-black font-bold uppercase\">TOPICS<\/div>\n<nav class=\"py-2.5 flex gap-2.5 flex-wrap\" data-analytics-id=\"article-tag\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-tag\">\n<p>Road<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX slice-container-authorBio\">\n<div class=\"author author__default-layout author--separator author--collapsible\" data-hydrate=\"true\">\n<div class=\"author__header\">\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dan Challis<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__social\">\n<nav class=\"button-social-group author__social-buttons\" aria-labelledby=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">\n<div id=\"button-social-group- author__social-buttons\">Social Links Navigation<\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__role\">Freelance writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dan is a freelance cycling journalist who has written for <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> since 2023 alongside other work with <em>Cycling Weekly<\/em>, <em>Rouleur<\/em> and <em>Escape Collective<\/em>. Dan focuses much of his work on professional cycling beyond its traditional European heartlands and writes a regular Substack called Global Peloton.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"mt-6 lg:px-0 relative max-w-[1070px] mx-auto viafoura-twig-component px-4\" data-component-name=\"Viafoura:Comments\" data-nosnippet data-community-guidelines-text=\"&lt;p class='vfcustom-community-guidelines'&gt;Please follow our &lt;a href=&quot;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/about\/#section-community-guidelines&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;community guidelines&lt;\/a&gt;.&lt;\/p&gt;\" data-join-the-conversation-text=\"Join the Conversation\">\n<div class=\"absolute top-0 left-0 w-full h-full flex items-center justify-center z-50 bg-white\/90 border-1\">\n<div class=\"p-2 text-center\">\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-lg\">You must confirm your public display name before commenting<\/p>\n<p class=\"mb-3 !text-sm\">Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"mx-2 my-5 sm:mx-0\">\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-adviser:hybrid\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Read more<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-category\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Teams &amp; Riders<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/95X7o2yQXufbjYasxxnxvY-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Tour de Romandie past winners<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hCRAa6QuXGQmQmPcs28chZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;While I regret his decision, I fully respect his desire for change&#8217; \u2013 Remco Evenepoel&#8217;s trainer to leave Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe after Tour de France <\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/c7iZMA2VQzGXcYXW5LftgZ-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Brandon McNulty takes stay at UAE Team Emirates-XRG past decade mark with contract extension<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RrSTtZB8A7zGLPx4jcJ8n9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I didn&#8217;t expect to win by such a margin&#8217; \u2013 A time trial triumph for Paul Seixas as he carves out first WorldTour stage victory and claims leader&#8217;s jersey at Itzulia Basque Country<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/isXfdqrBbNK6aQTNXVwnk5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Top cobbled Classics support rider for Tadej Poga\u010dar extends contract for several seasons with UAE Team Emirates-XRG<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/fp4qtqtFM9svCURqdLYDUj-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;I\u2019m not going to wait for an attack&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Stuyven hopes to put Soudal-QuickStep\u2019s classics campaign back on course at the Tour of Flanders<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside class=\"w-full\" data-nosnippet data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-stacked\">\n<div data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-solr:latest-articletype\">\n<div class=\"text-white py-4 px-3 mb-4 bg-[#333] uppercase font-bold custom-header-styles\">Latest in Features<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid grid-cols-1 gap-4 mt-4 mb-5\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/EX4hRi9pXrjGizQoJjHMYc-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Cat Ferguson&#8217;s Spring Classics column: Tour of Flanders is the toughest, most powerful race on the calendar, and that is felt in every pedal stroke<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-840-80.png.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-650-80.png.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-500-80.png.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-450-80.png.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-320-80.png.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/v2f6yDEapxtfhcsY9Wmqi5-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Pro Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;High trees catch a lot of wind&#8217; \u2013 From intense media scrutiny to social media abuse, the Classics bring out the pressure of expectation in Belgium<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/yN5KaYUdxVizZ7fQmeidq6-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Racing<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">What can Remco Evenepoel learn from Poga\u010dar, Nibali, and Valverde? 5 memorable Tour of Flanders debuts from big-name cobbles newbies<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div class=\"sponsored-post--placeholder max-w-full animate-pulse\"><span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block bg-gray-100\">\u00a0<br \/>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/LsHmBtnTxiYK3jFBQJLi7S-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 900px) 925px, (min-width: 700px) 450px, calc(100vw - 48px)\" \/><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"custom-subheading-styles\">Teams &amp; Riders<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;We lost three experienced riders, and replaced them with really young riders&#8217; \u2013 Can Lidl-Trek&#8217;s changed Classics core do enough for Mads Pedersen at the Tour of Flanders?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"relative recirc-feed sponsored-card min-h-[250px]\" data-recirc-id=\"article-river-stacked-ads:native-cards\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"article-river-ads\" data-nosnippet data-ad-slot-path=\"feed-sponsored-post\" data-attribute-device=\"all\">\n<div 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soon<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"news-article\">\n<header data-component-name=\"Article:Hero\">\n<nav class=\"breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\">\n<ol>\n<li>\nPro Cycling\n<\/li>\n<li>\nTeams &amp; Riders\n<\/li>\n<li>\nServais Knaven\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nFeatures<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDan Challis <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-07T11:37:22Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n7 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Dutchman tells Cyclingnews how Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco completed a historic podium sweep, plus the one big change which has allowed Tadej Poga\u010dar to thrive on the pav\u00e9<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"mx-auto mb-4 flex items-center justify-start mx-0 my-5 p-0\" id=\"affiliate-disclaimer\" data-component-name=\"AffiliateDisclaimer\" data-hawk-message=\"Affiliate disclaimer removed because hawk deemed there are no affiliate links on this page\">\n<p class=\"text-700 mb-2 text-[12px] leading-[18px] md:text-[13px] [&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-700 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline\">\nWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here\u2019s how it works.\n<\/p>\n<\/aside>\n<\/header>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"article-body\" class=\"text-copy bodyCopy auto paywall-locker\">\n<div data-analytics-id=\"utility-bar\" id=\"utility-bar\" class=\"font-ui-heading flex justify-between items-center py-2 border-t border-b border-gray-300 border-solid mb-5 mx-auto\" data-component-name=\"UtilityBar\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"utility-bar\">\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div data-component-name=\"Social:Dropdown\" role=\"menu\" id=\"utilitybar__dropdown--share\" aria-labelledby=\"utilitybar__button--share\" class=\"absolute left-0 top-full w-44 bg-white rounded-md shadow-md border border-neutral-200 z-[9996] list-none m-0 py-2 px-3 border-solid\">\n<ul class=\"!m-0\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Facebook<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>X<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Pinterest<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"!p-0 !m-0 list-none border-b border-gray-200 border-solid\">\n<p>Email<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-share-this-article\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nShare this article\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\"><span class=\"ml-1 sm:ml-1.5 font-base text-xs\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-join-the-conversation\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nJoin the conversation\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"flex gap-2 text-[#333] subcontainer\">\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p>Follow us<\/p>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-add-us-as-a-preferred-source-on-google\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nAdd us as a preferred source on Google\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"relative tooltip-container\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<div role=\"dialog\" class=\"hidden fixed inset-0 z-[999999999999999999] bg-[#33333370] flex items-center justify-center p-6 newsletter-modal\" data-batch-endpoint=\"https:\/\/newsletter-subscribe.futureplc.com\/v2\/submission\/submit_batch\" data-batch-source=\"302\" data-component-name=\"Newsletter:Modal\">\n<div class=\"bg-neutral-100 rounded-xl shadow-xl w-full lg:w-2\/3 xl:w-1\/2 p-6 relative max-h-[95vh] overflow-y-auto\">\n<div id=\"newsletter-capture-modal\">\n<div class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0 bg-inherit font-ui-heading\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base font-article-copy\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<div data-component-name=\"Newsletter:NewsletterForm\">\n<hr class=\"modal_hr mt-3 mb-4 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"modal_footer block text-left opacity-80 text-[.8em] leading-[1.3em] mt-2 [&amp;&gt;a]:underline font-article-copy\">\nBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation\" class=\"hidden\">\n<p class=\"sm:text-xl text-base font-bold text-black mb-3 p-0\">You are now subscribed<\/p>\n<p class=\"text-gray-600 mb-4 text-sm sm:text-base\">Your newsletter sign-up was successful<\/p>\n<div id=\"newsletter-modal-confirmation__userlogin\" class=\"hidden\">\n<hr class=\"my-5 h-px bg-gray-300 border-0\">\n<div class=\"items-start flex flex-col h-full justify-between\">\n<div class=\"flcw-text pb-5 pt-2 leading-[1.3]\"> An account already exists for this email address, please log in.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"font-ui-heading max-sm:hidden tooltip absolute left-1\/2 bg-gray-900 text-white text-xs leading-none px-3 py-1.5 rounded-md z-[10001] whitespace-nowrap\" id=\"tooltip-subscribe-to-our-newsletter\" role=\"tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\nSubscribe to our newsletter\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p id=\"elk-500779a2-aa89-4f6b-bc13-044da13ecaed\">The 2001 edition of Paris-Roubaix has its place in the annals of cycling history for a number of reasons. 25 years on, the race is remembered as the muddiest Roubaix ever, with crashes, mechanicals and the power of the brand new Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco team ripping the race to pieces.<\/p>\n<p>Managed by Patrick Lefevere, Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco swept the podium in a superlative display of strength. However, it wasn\u2019t Johan Museeuw or reigning world champion Romans Vainsteins sitting on top of the pile. That honour unexpectedly fell to Servais Knaven, a rider who has become synonymous with the Hell of the North ever since and jointly holds the record for the most finishes of the race with 16.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-500779a2-aa89-4f6b-bc13-044da13ecaed-2\">&#8220;It&#8217;s always been a special race for me from the first time I started. I fell in love immediately,&#8221; Knaven tells <em>Cyclingnews<\/em> a quarter of a century on. &#8220;Winning Roubaix was the best moment of my cycling career.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"article-continues-below block py-2 text-sm\">Article continues below <\/span><\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            You may like<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/aWp3CcerQq6gptxa76AMjF-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Everything the Tour of Flanders can tell us about Paris-Roubaix \u2013 The Monument quintuple, no Remco Evenepoel, and Lotte Kopecky&#8217;s chances<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-250-80.png.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KiVa7oUDmqAuyQjJXbm4c-150-80.png.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Sean Kelly&#8217;s Classics column: Tadej Poga\u010dar turns Tour of Flanders into a torture-fest as Remco Evenepoel silences critics<br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/UYBWnkk388X72MbP4jk9Ao-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Reflections from the men&#8217;s Milan-San Remo \u2013 Poga\u010dar overcomes the chaos, prefers focaccia to a 2027 return, McNulty&#8217;s work, and praise for Van der Poel and Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">Knaven completed every edition of Roubaix between 1995 and 2010. For the Dutchman, racing on the cobblestones became his focus, and he would use his knowledge of the race and natural ability over the farm tracks of northern France to perfection in 2001.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"when-a-domestique-becomes-a-winner-3\">When a domestique becomes a winner<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-ef13ce1f-4ac6-4c51-bda1-c40ba95275c7\">Knaven went into the 99th edition of Paris-Roubaix with a focus on supporting his more decorated teammates. By 2001, Museeuw had won the Tour of Flanders three times and Roubaix twice (he would go on to win in the velodrome again the following year). Vainsteins had just finished on the podium of Milan-San Remo having claimed the rainbow bands six months earlier in Plouay. Others, such as Wilfried Peeters, also sat higher in the pecking order than Knaven.<\/p>\n<p>The team was feared by the rest of the peloton in the Classics that year, but up to that point had not yet landed a landmark victory.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;It was the first year of the team. We were really chasing a big win and we didn&#8217;t really have the best results until that day,&#8221; Knaven remembers.<\/p>\n<div id=\"slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX\" class=\"slice-container newsletter-inbodyContent-slice newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-pecoN6kNjiCy9uNyTNHSdX slice-container-newsletterForm\">\n<div data-hydrate=\"true\" class=\"newsletter-form__wrapper newsletter-form__wrapper--inbodyContent\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__container\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__top-bar\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-form__header\">Get The Leadout Newsletter<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"newsletter-form__main-section\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-form__strapline\">The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"newsletter-form__footer \">By submitting your information you agree to the Terms &amp; Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.<\/footer>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-893e3677-cf6b-4bd5-a637-042e1fe962df\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/9yvBPMbBjYS4XM6bf27yiT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">The team proved their status as a fearsome Classics squad with 1-2-3 in Roubaix <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-5a3b5acf-73a7-4edc-8572-2bdb04869143\">In the days before the 2001 edition of Paris-Roubaix, the heavens had opened over the route, creating a covering of muddy sludge over the pav\u00e9. The surface under the wheels of the riders caused crashes early on. Many of those who avoided the falls suffered multiple mechanicals, including Knaven and Museeuw.<\/p>\n<p>Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco worked as a team and invested early in good positioning, with Knaven taking the wind.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I was just helping to position ahead of the first section but because it was raining, after the first section, we were only left with ten or fifteen riders. Another ten came back but those guys were always a little bit on the back foot and we were always in a good position,&#8221; Knaven says.<\/p>\n<aside data-component-name=\"Recirculation:ArticleRiver\" data-recirculation-type=\"inline\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"Trending Bar\" data-nosnippet class=\"clear-both pb-0 pt-2 mb-4\"><span class=\"\n            flex\n            after:content-[''] after:flex-1 after:ml-4 after:my-[0.7rem] after:border-t after:border-solid after:border-t-[#ccc]\n            before:content-[''] before:flex-1 before:mr-4 before:my-[0.7rem] before:border-t before:border-solid before:border-t-[#ccc]\n            font-article-heading pb-0 !text-base uppercase sm:text-sm font-bold\n        \"><br \/>\n            What to read next<br \/>\n        <\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"flex flex-col gap-0 m-0\">\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-1\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-1\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nV6EeTstsrSed7sBoahJ9a-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">The cobbled Classics storylines we&#8217;re looking forward to \u2013 From Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar on the cusp of history to a different Demi Vollering and a resurgent Mads Pedersen<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ededed] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-2\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-2\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/nhL5w9TTdpSK5vfCUQkdLh-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">Milan-San Remo: Tadej Poga\u010dar strikes in closing metres to hold off Tom Pidcock in electrifying two-rider finish and earns masterful victory<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"m-0 list-none border-b border-solid border-[#ccc] py-2\" data-recirculation-id=\"recirculation-card-3\" data-analytics-id=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\" data-mrf-recirculation=\"recirculation-2-inline-3\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7sE99ZAQ2hoyR9PKgpYGTH-150-80.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"150px\" \/><span class=\"\n                            w-full font-article-heading line-clamp-3 md:line-clamp-2 text-base font-medium\">&#8216;The pressure is low, like the tyres will be&#8217; \u2013 Liberated from Milan-San Remo and after latest Flanders exhibition, is the most ruthless Tadej Poga\u010dar yet heading for Paris-Roubaix?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>&#8220;We were one team. We helped each other to be in the front at each section so we could avoid all the problems.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>One of the key moments of the race occurred at the fearsome Trou\u00e9e d\u2019Arenberg, which was almost unrideable in the conditions. Knaven worked on the front to position Museeuw before teammate Peeters launched an attack. With numbers in a small chasing group behind Peeters, the team could preserve energy.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a27702e5-b743-44bb-862c-7fb5522243af\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/VjEg7AQhZkkqkDWDJmPNV7-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven on the attack <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-2d1d4ad1-53d2-4046-966a-8fdc3a4e34b1\">Peeters was caught within the final 25km, but Museeuw suffered a puncture, meaning the team had to wait for their leader. Once the Belgian was back in the group, it was time to finish the job. There were seven left in the front group, and four of them were representing Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco.<\/p>\n<p>The instruction from the car came through for the team to attack one after another.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;That&#8217;s how we played the game in the final on the tarmac. That&#8217;s where the real game started,&#8221; Knaven says. He went with 10km to go at a railway crossing, immediately building a gap.<\/p>\n<p>Knaven never looked back and powered away from the group which contained the likes of George Hincapie. He arrived at the famous velodrome alone, 34 seconds ahead of Museeuw with a further seven back to Vainsteins who took the sprint from the chasing group for a historic 1-2-3 for Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco. Knaven wiped the mud off his jersey to reveal the sponsor\u2019s logo beneath and celebrated the biggest win he will ever take.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I don&#8217;t remember anything at all about the finish, because you\u2019re so overwhelmed, you still cannot believe it,&#8221; says Knaven now.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The gear was way too big. I was totally empty,&#8221; he says of the final solo ride to the line. &#8220;You have the little climb towards Roubaix, which felt like Alpe d\u2019Huez for me.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-a8832c0a-cbba-4cc2-914f-33fe518c1b37\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/hdiAFHKmUALAtJ3MjAyreT-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Knaven was in disbelief at the finish <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p id=\"elk-18eeb83a-31d4-4b58-8d7d-9e2196afc4a7\">Knaven now heads up the fleet of Shimano neutral service vehicles for ASO and will return to the cobbles once more this year for Roubaix. In a strange mirroring, the now 55-year-old credits his 2001 win in part to a neutral service mechanic, who got him back on the bike after a puncture.<\/p>\n<p>The team ran lower tyre pressures than their rivals, giving them the advantage of extra grip on the slippery cobblestones. However, having a neutral service tyre on the back helped Knaven with his final attack.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I got a spare wheel from neutral service and the wheel was pumped really hard, so all the sections after that were the hardest of the whole day for me because I didn&#8217;t have the right tyre pressure. It was just a matter of surviving. But then looking back, with that hard tyre I could go a lot faster on the tarmac.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"a-new-era-at-paris-roubaix-3\">A new era at Paris-Roubaix<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-3a8a757b-ee50-41f9-bc74-f6eec763582d\">The Hell of the North has changed a great deal since Knaven\u2019s win 25 years ago. In particular, the tech has moved forward: tyres are wider, tubeless has been introduced, bikes are stiffer and faster.<\/p>\n<p>The average speed at Roubaix has also never been higher than in the last four years, with a record of 47.8kph set by Mathieu van der Poel in 2024. The prevailing logic is that with higher speeds, the race opens up to lighter riders as the bikes glide over the stones, rather than bobble through them.<\/p>\n<p>This is one of the reasons, according to Knaven, that Tadej Poga\u010dar can contend for this Monument in his mission to win them all. The 2001 winner is in no doubt that the reigning world champion could win the race one day.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;For sure, the tubeless tyres helped Poga\u010dar to be up there. I\u2019m not saying it&#8217;s only that, because he&#8217;s the best rider in the peloton, but it is super nice to see him being there in action and for him it is a big goal to try to win it, but for sure the tyres help.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When you were very light and you were riding in the past you were bumping a lot more. Then, as a light rider, it was more of a disadvantage than for a heavy rider. I&#8217;m happy with that. It&#8217;s nice to see that nowadays the weight is less of an issue.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure class=\"van-image-figure inline-layout\" data-bordeaux-image-check id=\"elk-341d0808-edf3-4a80-86fa-4e2bde435788\">\n<div class=\"image-full-width-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-widthsetter\">\n<p class=\"vanilla-image-block\">\n<source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/gWzzTbDvp7JcPLxdh8JCXH-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\" inline-layout\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Tadej Poga\u010dar hugely impressed on only his first Roubaix ride in 2025 <\/span><span class=\"credit\">(Image credit: Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 id=\"it-s-something-that-s-in-you-3\">\u2018It\u2019s something that\u2019s in you\u2019<\/h2>\n<p id=\"elk-11aedd76-4a7a-4e95-86d2-ec56b9831ae0\">Famously, the bike that Knaven won upon 25 years ago has never been washed. It remains caked in mud and is now on display in the Rapha store in Amsterdam.<\/p>\n<p>The feeling that Paris-Roubaix emits for Knaven has never changed since he first cycled on those famous roads more than 30 years ago. Even though Knaven went on to win a stage of the Tour de France in 2003 and enjoy a successful career as a sports director with Team Sky and then AG Insurance-Soudal, it is that remarkable Sunday in April 2001 that he cherishes most of all and will be remembered for.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;When I come back to do the recon [with the Shimano neutral service], it always gives a special feeling. Of course because I won it but even without winning, I think I would still have that special feeling for the race.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;And when I ride the cobbles now \u2013 I&#8217;m not doing it a lot \u2013 but I still can ride the cobbles. It&#8217;s something that&#8217;s in you. Even though I\u2019m not going that fast anymore, I\u2019m still enjoying it.\u201d<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-c6149506-03e8-4f89-a348-4ebb7be93fd5\"><em><strong>Get unlimited access to our unrivalled <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>2026 Spring Classics <\/strong><\/em><em><strong>coverage with a Cyclingnews subscription. We&#8217;ll bring you breaking news, reports, and analysis from some of the biggest races on the calendar, including Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. <\/strong><\/em><u><em><strong>Find out more.<\/strong><\/em><\/u><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.cyclingnews.com\/pro-cycling\/teams-riders\/a-mud-bath-an-over-inflated-spare-tyre-and-a-domestique-holding-the-cobblestone-trophy-servais-knaven-relives-his-iconic-paris-roubaix-victory-25-years-on\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/AJBdrHxRz8WKjcmH8AGKsG-1024-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Servais Knaven A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy \u2013 Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on Features By Dan Challis published 7 April 2026 Dutchman tells Cyclingnews how Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco completed a historic podium sweep, plus the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,68],"class_list":["post-1870604","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-cyclingnews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1870604","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1870604"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1870604\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1870604"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1870604"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1870604"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}