Wout van Aert (31) has conquered the cobbled monuments, overcoming Tadej Pogacar in a thrilling Paris-Roubaix. Van Aert triumphed over Pogacar in a sprint on the track, despite both riders suffering two punctures during the race. Mathieu van der Poel was hampered by a double dose of bad luck in the Forest of Wallers.
Van Aert’s Decisive Sprint
Van Aert sprinted past Tadej Pogacar to win. Pogacar could not match the Belgian’s sprint. He has secured his first cobbled trophy.
Pogacar led onto the track, but Van Aert remained close. With one lap to go, the bell signalled the approaching finish.
The pair had space to play tactics, while the riders behind were focused on the battle for third place. Those behind Van Aert and Pogacar will join them on the track, but a lap behind.
Stuyven Secures a Podium Finish
Jasper Stuyven held on to claim third place. He narrowly secured third position.
The Final Kilometres
Pogacar continued to respond to Van Aert. He did not have an acceleration in the final metres. A sprint finish was inevitable.
Van Aert has left his last rivals behind. There are 5 kilometres remaining to the Roubaix track. Van der Poel is applying pressure from behind, closing the gap by 5 seconds again.
Van Aert must remain vigilant as he enters Roubaix, where he previously overtook Pedersen on the final climb. It remains to be seen what Pogacar will attempt.
With 10 kilometres remaining, the outcome of Paris-Roubaix was to be decided. The riders have passed the challenging cobblestones.
Van Aert was keen to overtake Pogacar, but there was no space. The Belgian appeared fresher than the Slovenian.
Pogacar almost fell, but managed to stay upright. Van Aert was ready to pass the world champion.
Van der Poel closed the gap to Pogacar and Van Aert by 10 seconds. The gap was now half a minute.