{"id":1876460,"date":"2026-04-10T12:17:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:17:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876460"},"modified":"2026-04-10T12:17:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T09:17:17","slug":"big-guys-van-der-poel-and-pogacar-determine-where-paris-roubaix-is-made-hard-and-how-selective-it-will-be-says-jasper-philipsen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1876460","title":{"rendered":"&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-1200-80.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>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:17:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian fighting to get fit for Hell of the North but says pressure is off for him after In Flanders Fields victory<\/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\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1920w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-320-80.jpg.webp 320w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 1000px) 600px, calc(100vw - 40px)\" \/><figcaption class=\"mt-2\"><span class=\"caption-text\">Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen in high spirits at the Alpecin-Premier Tech press conference ahead of Paris-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\">0<\/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-1bed5142-c0d0-4cbe-9232-2ef53d7f4769\">Having twice finished as runner-up at Paris-Roubaix, Alpecin-Premier Tech rider Jasper Philipsen can point to a Hell of the North palmar\u00e8s greater than most riders who&#8217;ll line up in Compi\u00e8gne on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian sprinter stepped on the podium as the second part of an Alpecin one-two behind teammate Mathieu van der Poel in 2023 and 2024. With Van der Poel soloing to a third triumph last April, the pair will be searching for yet more success this weekend.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bed5142-c0d0-4cbe-9232-2ef53d7f4769-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">On almost any other team in the peloton, Philipsen would start the race as a team leader, but he&#8217;ll play a key lieutenant role for Van der Poel once again.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-150-80.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;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/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\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-150-80.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;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Speaking to Belgian media, including <em>Sporza<\/em> and <em>Het Laatste Nieuws<\/em>, at his team&#8217;s pre-race press conference on Thursday, Philipsen acknowledged that Van der Poel and his great Classics rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar, will make the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We have already delivered many great team performances here, and we are looking for another scenario where we can take the race into our own hands,&#8221; Philipsen said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;But everything depends on the big guys like Mathieu and Tadej. They determine where the race is made hard and how selective it will be. Then the legs will simply do the talking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Anything can happen in this race. In the Tour of Flanders, everyone ends up in their rightful place, but in Roubaix, luck and bad luck play a bigger role.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Alongside Sjoerd Bax and Jay Vine, Philipsen is one of the very few riders in the peloton who have shared teams with the two favourites for glory on Sunday. He was asked about the strengths of both Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, the pair once again going head-to-head after another titanic battle at last week&#8217;s Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Of course, he is a major contender, but we are certainly not without a chance,&#8221; Philipsen said of Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We are heading to Roubaix in good spirits and hope to be able to play to our strengths. We are certainly not going to give anything away.<\/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\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-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;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-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 few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;[Mathieu and I] can strengthen each other and bring calm. It is no guarantee of success; I mainly have to see where I end up myself, and hopefully, I will get into a position where I can be of added value.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Philipsen and Van der Poel will be joined by a very strong Alpecin selection, including Florian S\u00e9n\u00e9chal, Tibor Del Grosso, Kaden Groves, and Silvan Dillier. Philipsen will be hoping to get back to full fitness after suffering from a cold recently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was ill midweek when he finished eighth at Scheldeprijs, but with two Classics wins to his name this spring, at Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields, he can take on Roubaix with less pressure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With a victory already under my belt, I&#8217;m going into it more relaxed; it isn&#8217;t the race of last resort like it is for some,&#8221; Philipsen concluded.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5098d037-d87d-4cb3-bc56-30eb31e340d3\"><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<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<p>Jasper Philipsen<\/p>\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-i8VnxnPzBfD64b8rrCbmRh\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-i8VnxnPzBfD64b8rrCbmRh 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__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/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\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.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;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/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\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-320-80.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;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-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;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-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;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; 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\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-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;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/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\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-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\">Brendan Johnston, Alexis Skarda win titles at Utah&#8217;s Salty Lizard; Unbound winner to race new Pulaski MTN-X; MAAP launches U23 initiative &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-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;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit <\/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\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-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;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; 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 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>\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 News<\/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\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/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\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-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 Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-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\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/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\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Skoda develops bike bell that can bypass noise-cancelling headphones, and then gives the technology away for free<\/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 ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/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>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:17:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian fighting to get fit for Hell of the North but says pressure is off for him after In Flanders Fields victory<\/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. 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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-1bed5142-c0d0-4cbe-9232-2ef53d7f4769\">Having twice finished as runner-up at Paris-Roubaix, Alpecin-Premier Tech rider Jasper Philipsen can point to a Hell of the North palmar\u00e8s greater than most riders who&#8217;ll line up in Compi\u00e8gne on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian sprinter stepped on the podium as the second part of an Alpecin one-two behind teammate Mathieu van der Poel in 2023 and 2024. With Van der Poel soloing to a third triumph last April, the pair will be searching for yet more success this weekend.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bed5142-c0d0-4cbe-9232-2ef53d7f4769-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">On almost any other team in the peloton, Philipsen would start the race as a team leader, but he&#8217;ll play a key lieutenant role for Van der Poel once again.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-150-80.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;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/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\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-150-80.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;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Speaking to Belgian media, including <em>Sporza<\/em> and <em>Het Laatste Nieuws<\/em>, at his team&#8217;s pre-race press conference on Thursday, Philipsen acknowledged that Van der Poel and his great Classics rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar, will make the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We have already delivered many great team performances here, and we are looking for another scenario where we can take the race into our own hands,&#8221; Philipsen said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;But everything depends on the big guys like Mathieu and Tadej. They determine where the race is made hard and how selective it will be. Then the legs will simply do the talking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Anything can happen in this race. In the Tour of Flanders, everyone ends up in their rightful place, but in Roubaix, luck and bad luck play a bigger role.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Alongside Sjoerd Bax and Jay Vine, Philipsen is one of the very few riders in the peloton who have shared teams with the two favourites for glory on Sunday. He was asked about the strengths of both Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, the pair once again going head-to-head after another titanic battle at last week&#8217;s Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Of course, he is a major contender, but we are certainly not without a chance,&#8221; Philipsen said of Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We are heading to Roubaix in good spirits and hope to be able to play to our strengths. We are certainly not going to give anything away.<\/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\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-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;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-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 few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;[Mathieu and I] can strengthen each other and bring calm. It is no guarantee of success; I mainly have to see where I end up myself, and hopefully, I will get into a position where I can be of added value.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Philipsen and Van der Poel will be joined by a very strong Alpecin selection, including Florian S\u00e9n\u00e9chal, Tibor Del Grosso, Kaden Groves, and Silvan Dillier. Philipsen will be hoping to get back to full fitness after suffering from a cold recently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was ill midweek when he finished eighth at Scheldeprijs, but with two Classics wins to his name this spring, at Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields, he can take on Roubaix with less pressure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With a victory already under my belt, I&#8217;m going into it more relaxed; it isn&#8217;t the race of last resort like it is for some,&#8221; Philipsen concluded.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5098d037-d87d-4cb3-bc56-30eb31e340d3\"><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<p>Tadej Pogacar<\/p>\n<p>Jasper Philipsen<\/p>\n<p>Mathieu van der Poel<\/p>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"slice-container-authorBio-i8VnxnPzBfD64b8rrCbmRh\" class=\"slice-container slice-author-bio authorBio-i8VnxnPzBfD64b8rrCbmRh 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__avatar-block\">\n<figure class=\"image-wrapped__wrapper\" data-bordeaux-image-check=\"false\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__widthsetter\">\n<div class=\"image-wrapped__aspect-padding\">\n<div><source class=\"author__avatar image-wrapped__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh-140-80.jpg.webp 140w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/PSRUchRz7RcBeXHn7hDvCh.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__heading\">\n<div class=\"author__name\">Dani Ostanek<\/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\">Senior News Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"author__bio-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"author__biography\">\n<p>Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, having joined in 2017 as a freelance contributor, later being hired full-time. Her favourite races include Strade Bianche, the Tour de France Femmes, Paris-Roubaix, and Tro-Bro L\u00e9on.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-320-80.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;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/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\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-320-80.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;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-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;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-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;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; 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\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Rs9hvJ9P4iNbm7qy3z3ane-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;Don&#8217;t invent stories where there aren&#8217;t any&#8217; \u2013 Lidl-Trek teammate defends Juan Ayuso after social media criticism over Basque Country withdrawal<\/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\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/3Cs2KghLHGM8JvWEAzLwRF-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\">Brendan Johnston, Alexis Skarda win titles at Utah&#8217;s Salty Lizard; Unbound winner to race new Pulaski MTN-X; MAAP launches U23 initiative &#8211; Gravel Bits<\/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\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/RtQTAF4NFPFPejZepaLYj-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;It&#8217;s been a few tough days&#8217; &#8211; Juan Ayuso abandons Itzulia Basque Country before chance to climb out of large GC deficit <\/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\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-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;The few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; 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 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>\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 News<\/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\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/DwmnSBG6xGpLgFSTEYq8cL-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/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\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/NG3JcVZsvUZ6TPGXLsrzCF-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 Bikes<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/TYgkq4YC58BcuwG922poTS-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\">Women&#8217;s Cycling<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">&#8216;Paris-Roubaix is tailor-made for her&#8217; \u2013 Lotte Kopecky primed to become first repeat winner as SD Worx-Protime line up with options<\/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\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/kozeviPPQMkcciQg4hyJq9-320-80.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\">Could the addition of a rarely-used uphill cobble sector ignite early attacks at 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 class=\"aspect-[--img-listing-aspect-ratio,16\/9] relative mb-3.5\">\n    <source type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-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\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/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\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-840-80.jpg.webp 840w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-500-80.jpg.webp 500w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-450-80.jpg.webp 450w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/pdjx59DdTrYRupTDvLD3Yh-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\">Cycling Tech &amp; Components<\/span><span class=\"text-base text-black font-bold mx-0 my-2.5 p-0 block custom-text-styles\">Skoda develops bike bell that can bypass noise-cancelling headphones, and then gives the technology away for free<\/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 ARTICLES<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<ol class=\"popular-box__articles-list popular-box__articles-list--active\">\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__image-wrapper\">\n<div><source class=\"popular-box__article-list__image image__image\" type=\"image\/webp\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-640-80.jpg.webp 640w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-720-80.jpg.webp 720w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX-1280-80.jpg.webp 1280w\" sizes=\"99vw\" data-normal=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-original-mos=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/FYFbnC5j3tg3PcCMQgE6TX.jpg\" data-pin-nopin=\"true\" data-slice-image=\"true\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">1<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Australians Carter Bettles and 18-year-old Tully Schweitzer win Oceania Road Championships titles in Brisbane<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">2<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">&#8216;Age doesn&#8217;t matter&#8217; &#8211; Zoe B\u00e4ckstedt carries momentum from Flanders to &#8216;unpredictable&#8217; Paris-Roubaix with Consonni and Dygert among reinforcements<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">3<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Itzulia Basque Country: Paul Seixas extends lead with third victory on stage 5 after thrilling duel with Florian Lipowitz <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">4<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Don&#8217;t call it an inner tube: Lidl-Trek to debut innovative &#8216;double-bubble&#8217; safety system at Paris-Roubaix<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"popular-box__article-list\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__container\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__content\">\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__number-text\">5<\/div>\n<div class=\"popular-box__article-list__heading\">Redlands Bicycle Classic: Ella Sabo and Sebastian Brenes Mata sprint to stage 2 victories on new circuit course<\/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>\nAlpecin-Premier Tech\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<h1>&#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen<\/h1>\n<div class=\"byline-social\">\n<div class=\"byline\">\nNews<\/p>\n<div class=\"text-[13px]\"><span><br \/>\nBy<br \/>\nDani Ostanek <\/span><span><br \/>\npublished<br \/>\n<time data-component-name=\"UI:DateTime\" datetime=\"2026-04-10T12:17:17Z\" class=\"relative-date\"><br \/>\n10 April 2026<br \/>\n<\/time><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"strapline\">Belgian fighting to get fit for Hell of the North but says pressure is off for him after In Flanders Fields victory<\/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. 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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-1bed5142-c0d0-4cbe-9232-2ef53d7f4769\">Having twice finished as runner-up at Paris-Roubaix, Alpecin-Premier Tech rider Jasper Philipsen can point to a Hell of the North palmar\u00e8s greater than most riders who&#8217;ll line up in Compi\u00e8gne on Sunday morning.<\/p>\n<p>The Belgian sprinter stepped on the podium as the second part of an Alpecin one-two behind teammate Mathieu van der Poel in 2023 and 2024. With Van der Poel soloing to a third triumph last April, the pair will be searching for yet more success this weekend.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-1bed5142-c0d0-4cbe-9232-2ef53d7f4769-2\" class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">On almost any other team in the peloton, Philipsen would start the race as a team leader, but he&#8217;ll play a key lieutenant role for Van der Poel once again.<\/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\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZNPQo8JRzs99xcYWKYHpa6-150-80.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;I&#8217;m going for a more defensive role&#8217; &#8211; Jasper Philipsen says his chances are &#8216;very small&#8217; for Milan-San Remo, tips Wout van Aert as a dark horse<\/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\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/Mo39pCTMTCUhWkY58i8qP3-150-80.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;Flemish Classics give me butterflies in my stomach&#8217; \u2013 Jasper Philipsen prepared to take any opportunities to win this spring at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and beyond<\/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\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/2cahqKRa5PJFaCbizL2oMM-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\">Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Poga\u010dar, and beyond \u2013 Analysing the contenders for the men&#8217;s Paris-Roubaix <\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Speaking to Belgian media, including <em>Sporza<\/em> and <em>Het Laatste Nieuws<\/em>, at his team&#8217;s pre-race press conference on Thursday, Philipsen acknowledged that Van der Poel and his great Classics rival, Tadej Poga\u010dar, will make the race.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We have already delivered many great team performances here, and we are looking for another scenario where we can take the race into our own hands,&#8221; Philipsen said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;But everything depends on the big guys like Mathieu and Tadej. They determine where the race is made hard and how selective it will be. Then the legs will simply do the talking.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;Anything can happen in this race. In the Tour of Flanders, everyone ends up in their rightful place, but in Roubaix, luck and bad luck play a bigger role.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Alongside Sjoerd Bax and Jay Vine, Philipsen is one of the very few riders in the peloton who have shared teams with the two favourites for glory on Sunday. He was asked about the strengths of both Poga\u010dar and Van der Poel, the pair once again going head-to-head after another titanic battle at last week&#8217;s Tour of Flanders.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Of course, he is a major contender, but we are certainly not without a chance,&#8221; Philipsen said of Poga\u010dar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;We are heading to Roubaix in good spirits and hope to be able to play to our strengths. We are certainly not going to give anything away.<\/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\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/ZAC8YP2nP9Swk52VUwvzRM-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;A few so-called experts had an opinion&#8217; \u2013 Mathieu van der Poel defends Flanders power numbers and working with Tadej Poga\u010dar ahead of Paris-Roubaix rematch<\/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\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/7Zj72BrDkTUjgDBgz9uzFm-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;If it rains, Van der Poel has a small advantage on Poga\u010dar&#8217; &#8211; Paris-Roubaix technical director says wet conditions would favour defending champion next Sunday in Hell of the North<\/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\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-250-80.jpg.webp 250w, https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/5dV9ag3NjDDs3E9DBZ8zyY-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 few races I\u2019ve done so far have gone perfectly&#8217; \u2013 Tadej Poga\u010dar chases Monument set at &#8216;his ultimate test&#8217; Paris-Roubaix<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/aside>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;[Mathieu and I] can strengthen each other and bring calm. It is no guarantee of success; I mainly have to see where I end up myself, and hopefully, I will get into a position where I can be of added value.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Philipsen and Van der Poel will be joined by a very strong Alpecin selection, including Florian S\u00e9n\u00e9chal, Tibor Del Grosso, Kaden Groves, and Silvan Dillier. Philipsen will be hoping to get back to full fitness after suffering from a cold recently.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">He was ill midweek when he finished eighth at Scheldeprijs, but with two Classics wins to his name this spring, at Nokere Koerse and In Flanders Fields, he can take on Roubaix with less pressure.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paywall\" aria-hidden=\"true\">&#8220;With a victory already under my belt, I&#8217;m going into it more relaxed; it isn&#8217;t the race of last resort like it is for some,&#8221; Philipsen concluded.<\/p>\n<p id=\"elk-5098d037-d87d-4cb3-bc56-30eb31e340d3\"><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\/big-guys-van-der-poel-and-pogacar-determine-where-paris-roubaix-is-made-hard-and-how-selective-it-will-be-says-jasper-philipsen\/&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net\/KwKNtB6ihVoAvkSqVipK7g-1200-80.jpg&#8221;] Pro Cycling Teams &amp; Riders Alpecin-Premier Tech &#8216;Big guys&#8217; Van der Poel and Poga\u010dar &#8216;determine where Paris-Roubaix is made hard and how selective it will be&#8217;, says Jasper Philipsen News By Dani Ostanek published 10 April 2026 Belgian fighting to get fit for Hell of the North but says pressure is off [&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-1876460","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\/1876460","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=1876460"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1876460\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1876460"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1876460"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1876460"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}