The legendary cobblestones on the road to Paris demanded everything from the cycling stars. © ANSA / TERESA SUAREZ

Wild Paris-Roubaix: Crashes, fan attacks and spectacle

Mathieu van der Poel has won the 122nd Paris-Roubaix spring classic. The Dutchman triumphed solo in the cobblestone spectacle, while cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar crashed.

13 April 2025

From: dpa

When Tadej Pogacar finally reached the venerable concrete track in the Roubaix Velodrome after his mishap in the Hell of the North, his great rival Mathieu van der Poel had already stormed to the historic triple with three fingers raised.

The Slovenian Tour de France champion had to admit defeat only to the Dutch former world champion after a riding error and an involuntary detour into the green at the 122nd edition of the cobblestone spectacle Paris-Roubaix.

Francesco Moser last triple winner

Van der Poel, on the other hand, was once again the triumphant rider in the duel of giants in Roubaix after 259,2 kilometers, winning by over a minute for the third time in a row. The last time that had happened was Italian Francesco Moser from 1978 to 1980.

Mathieu van der Poel crossed the finish line first. © APA/afp / FRANCOIS LO PRESTI

For van der Poel, it was his eighth victory in one of cycling's five Monuments, the world's most important one-day races. He thus equaled Pogacar's victory, who dominated the competition at the Tour of Flanders last week.

For Pogacar, his dream of a major triumph ended 38,1 kilometers from the finish. After a minor riding error after a corner, Pogacar steered into the barrier and fell. After adjusting his chain, the Slovenian all-rounder jumped back on his bike and chased after van der Poel – without success. When a technical defect then occurred, morale was shattered. Even a defect for van der Poel a good 15 kilometers from the finish didn't change that.

Tadej Pogacar had a tough time. © APA/afp / JEFF PACHOUD

A "Sunday in paradise," headlined the sports newspaper L'Equipe. Yet the torture on the 30 cobblestone sections, covering 55,3 kilometers, is nothing short of hell for most professional cyclists. And the expected battle between the giants unfolded, with each taking turns to launch fierce attacks early in the race. Rain during the night had made the conditions on the bumpy cobbles dating back to Napoleon's time even worse. Accordingly, there were some nasty crashes early in the race.

Van der Poel defies fan scandal

The group of favorites, including former world champion Mads Pedersen, had already formed on the Arenberg Pass with around 100 kilometers to go. But Pogacar's attack with 70,7 kilometers to go was slowed down by a flat tire. Only van der Poel and, with considerable difficulty, former Sanremo winner Jasper Philipsen were able to follow the Slovenian, but he too was at the end of his rope shortly after.

At times, however, things also became unsportsmanlike. A spectator threw a water bottle in van der Poel's face. However, this didn't have any unpleasant consequences for the cyclocross world champion, who was able to celebrate again at the end.

Cycling continues with the Ardennes Triple Amstel Gold Race (April 20), Flèche Wallonne (April 23), and Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 27). Pogacar is scheduled to compete in all three races.