Following an emotional Sunday at the Tour of Flanders, attention now turns to the “Queen of the Classics,” Paris–Roubaix. The 123rd edition takes place on April 12, starting in Compiègne and finishing at the iconic Roubaix Velodrome after 258.3 km, including 54.8 km of cobblestones.
The race features 30 pavé sectors, beginning in Troisvilles at km 95.8. Among them, the decisive five-star sectors — Trouée d’Arenberg (km 163), Mons-en-Pévèle (km 209.7) and Carrefour de l’Arbre (km 241.2) — are expected to shape the outcome of the race.
Bahrain Victorious Sports Director Michał Gołaś explains:
“The opening cobbled sectors have been slightly modified compared to last year, returning to the version used two years ago. There are four sectors back-to-back with almost no tarmac in between, followed by an additional sector with an uphill section. It will be a crucial moment, but we need to be attentive from the start.
A tail-crosswind will make the first part fast and demanding, increasing the risk of splits. These early sectors will be even more dangerous due to the wind direction, which can accelerate the race significantly. It will be very important to be in the right group and to follow moves with our leaders, Alec and Matej, to gain an advantage.”
Matej Mohorič lines up for his fifth Paris–Roubaix, having taken his best result of fifth place in 2022. Reflecting on his connection with the race, he said:
“Paris–Roubaix is the Classic I look forward to the most in the whole spring. It’s the most chaotic and, in my opinion, the one closest to my heart, especially since Sonny won it in 2021. I will keep trying to reach the podium myself and hopefully fight for victory one day.
I feel my condition is at a very high level, and I hope luck will be on our side. We also have a very balanced team, with strong options like Alec, who is in great shape. We’ve been looking forward to this race for a long time, and now we finally get our chance.”
Alec Segaert will start Paris–Roubaix for the third time as a professional, building on his previous appearances in the race. His affinity for the cobbles dates back to a standout second place in the junior edition in 2021:
“It was my first time on the cobbles, and I fell in love immediately. Paris–Roubaix is probably the race that suits me best. Compared to the Tour of Flanders, which has many climbs, this race is flat and better suited to my characteristics at this stage of my career.
It’s a constant effort, and that fits me well. If everything goes right, I can see scenarios where I arrive at the velodrome fighting for a podium, even for the win. I feel very good and I’m improving throughout this first part of the season, so I’m confident ahead of Sunday.”
In support of the team’s leaders, Bahrain Victorious will rely on the experience of Kamil Gradek and Phil Bauhaus, alongside debutants Alessandro Borgo, Žak Eržen and Matevž Govekar.
“They will play a key role in protecting and positioning our leaders before the crucial sectors like Trouée d’Arenberg and Haveluy à Wallers. After that, as always in Roubaix, it becomes a race of survival. Both Matej and Alec have the endurance to perform in the final part.
In the last 40 km, groups are formed and gaps grow quickly. The level is extremely high, and the favourites are strong and motivated. It will be a spectacular race, and we hope to be part of the decisive moves,” concluded Gołaś.
