Key points :
Ø Judging from the results of the first part of the spring classics, the 117th edition of Paris-Roubaix -which will start in Compiègne at 11 am on Sunday 14 April -is more open than ever. While it would be foolish to write off the last two winners, Peter Sagan (2018) and Greg Van Avermaet (2017), neither has made a strong impression so far this season.
Ø This has shortened the odds for the other usual suspects, including Zdeněk Štybar, Alexander Kristoff, Tiesj Benoot and Oliver Naesen, while rising stars such as Wout van Aert and Nils Politt will be looking for an opening for their moxie to shine through.
Anyone wanting to take a punt on the outcome of Paris-Roubaix should be wary of reading too much into previous performances. Following a decade in which Boonen and Cancellara were head and shoulders above the rest, fans of duels on the cobblestones have seen Greg Van Avermaet and Peter Sagan emerge as the men to watch in the last few editions. However, the three-time world champion seems to have lost a bit of mojo along with the rainbow jersey, while his Belgian rival has been struggling ever since jumping ship to CCC Team, where he has only won a stage in the Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana. While both of them remain leading contenders to win the Queen of Classics, their intimidation factor is all but gone, promising an all-out war in the peloton that could result in a new victor. Two-time Roubaix podium finisher (2015 and 2017) Zdeněk Štybar is heading into this year’s edition as a new man following his breakthrough victories in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad and the E3 BinckBank Classic. The same holds true for Alexander Kristoff, winner of Gent–Wevelgem and third in the Tour of Flanders yesterday. Despite still chasing their first 2019 win, Belgian riders Tiesj Benoot and Oliver Naesen have already proved their mettle on the cobblestones and could well hit gold on the cobbled sectors of France. John Degenkolb, who emerged victorious from the carnage on the cobbles in last year’s Tour de France, is another former winner with a real shot at standing atop the podium again.
The prospect of a free-for-all is a source of hope and encouragement for the new generation that stole the show from the “big bosses” in De Ronde. While yesterday’s winner, Alberto Bettiol, will not be making his Roubaix debut this year, runner-up Kasper Asgreen earned a place in the Deceuninck–Quick-Step team, with 25-year-old Nils Politt (fifth) also proving he is a man to watch. Similarly, Wout van Aert, who finished thirteenth overall and best rookie last year, has been animating the spring classics and could jump on the opportunity to move up the pecking order. Colombian Fernando Gaviria’s rookie status will not stop the peloton from keeping him on a tight leash, aware of just how dangerous he can be in his first outing on the cobblestones of northern France…
25 teams, main contenders
Australia
Mitchelton–Scott: Trentin (ITA), Mezgec (SLO) and Hepburn (AUS)
Bahrain
Bahrain–Merida: Haussler (AUS), Mohorič (SLO), Sieberg (DEU), García (ESP)
Belgium
Deceuninck-Quick Step: Gilbert, Lampaert (BEL), Štybar (CZE) and Asgreen (DNK)
Lotto–Soudal: Benoot and Keukeleire (BEL)
Wanty Gobert Cycling Team: Backaert (BEL)
France
AG2R–La Mondiale: Naesen, Vandenbergh (BEL) and Dillier (CHE)
Cofidis: Laporte and Hofstetter (FRA)
Direct Energie*: Petit, Gaudin and A. Turgis (FRA)
Groupama–FDJ: Démare, Sarreau (FRA) and Guarnieri (ITA)
Delko–Marseille Provence KTM: Filosi (ITA), Šiškevičius (LTU)
Arkéa–Samsic: Greipel (DEU)
Vital Concept–B&B Hotels: Ermenault (FRA) and Boeckmans (BEL)
Germany
Bora–Hansgrohe: Sagan (SVK), Burghardt (DEU) and Oss (ITA)
Team Sunweb: Pedersen (DEN) and Arndt (DEU)
Kazakhstan
Astana Pro Team: De Vreese (BEL) and Nielsen (DEN)
Netherlands
Team Jumbo–Visma: Van Aert, Wynants (BEL), Jansen (NOR), Teunissen (NLD)
Roompot–Charles: Boom (NLD)
Poland
CCC Team: Van Avermaet and Van Keirsbulck (BEL)
South Africa
Team Dimension Data: Boasson Hagen (NOR) and Eisel (AUT)
Spain
Movistar Team: Roelandts (BEL) and Bennati (ITA)
Switzerland
Katusha–Alpecin: Politt (DEU) and Haller (AUT)
United Arab Emirates
UAE Team Emirates: Kristoff, Bystrøm (NOR) and Gaviria (COL)
United Kingdom
Team Sky: Rowe (GBR), Moscon (ITA) and Van Baarle (NLD)
United States
EF Education First: Vanmarcke (BEL), Langeveld (NLD) and Phinney (USA)
Trek–Segafredo: Degenkolb (DEU), Stuyven (BEL) and Pedersen (DEN)
*: Despite being erroneously cited among the riders who will take part in the reconnaissance of the course on Thursday and Friday, Niki Terpstra will not be starting Paris-Roubaix following a crash in the Tour of Flanders.
