The Belgian World Team concluded its cobble classics campaign in a stunning way this Sunday on the occasion of the 119th edition of Paris-Roubaix (1.UWT).
Before the first of thirty cobble sections, Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux was represented by four riders in the front: Tom Devriendt, Andrea Pasqualon, Baptiste Planckaert and Kévin Van Melsen. After more than three hours of chasing, both pelotons came together again with 100 kilometer to go. Meanwhile, Tom Devriendt was isolated in the front with four other riders and they formed the « breakaway » of this edition. Following the succession of cobble sections and mechanicals of his competitors, Tom Devriendt led Paris-Roubaix solo with 40 kilometer to go. His 100 kilometer effort in front of the race lasted until the section in Mons-en-Pévèle. The Belgian rider then followed the group led by Wout Van Aert until the velodrome, enabling him to sprint for second place. By crossing the line in fourth position, Tom Devriendt offered the best result in the team’s history in a Monument. His teammate Adrien Petit was also impressive and took sixth place.
The only team with two riders in the top ten was also represented by four others among the 25 best riders, thanks to Alexander Kristoff (12th), Taco van der Hoorn (16th), Andrea Pasqualon (19th) and Baptiste Planckaert (23rd).
Tom Devriendt:
“It was THE day of my life! A fourth place in a Monument, that’s crazy! By racing in the front I made the surprising split in the beginning of the race and I stayed out of trouble when a lot of riders crashed on the first cobble sections of the day. When I saw the acceleration of Matej Mohoric with 100 kilometer to go I didn’t hesitate to follow him. We were the strongest riders in the breakaway an it was a pity that I couldn’t benefit of his work in the front anymore after he punctured. When I was leading alone I chose my own pace, knowing that I needed to save some energy for when I would by joined by the favorites. It was the first time that I raced for the victory in such an important classic and I really had to dig deep. I especially had a difficult moment when Dylan van Baarle accelerated, I still had to survive two cobble sections. In the final I was living in the moment and it was only in the last kilometer that I really realized that I was racing for a top five in Paris-Roubaix. I gave everything in the sprint and I’m so happy with the result!”
Paris-Roubaix:
1. Dylan van Baarle
2. Wout Van Aert +1:47
3. Stefan Küng
4. Tom Devriendt
6. Adrien Petit +2:27
12. Alexander Kristoff +4:33
16. Taco van der Hoorn +4:47
19. Andrea Pasqualon
23. Baptiste Planckaert
56. Kévin Van Melsen +15:16
