John Degenkolb raced to 12th place at today’s Paris-Roubaix, at the end of the fastest ever edition of the Hell of the North. Degenkolb played a key role in the outcome of the race, forming part of a very select group of around 35 riders that went clear and caught the day’s early break with over 150 kilometres to race.
After this first selection was made, the chasing groups behind the leaders gradually dropped away, but at front it was not a smooth run to the finale either as the repetitive cobblestone sectors took their toll on the group, whittling it down before before eventual winner Van der Poel went clear with over 50 kilometres to the velodrome. Winner of the race in 2015, Degenkolb had to fight back from a puncture on the Arenburg sector, eventually getting back to the front group but behind a lead group of three that had since formed.
From here it was all about attrition as small groups formed on the approach to the finish, with Degenkolb coming onto the Roubaix Velodrome racing for eighth place, eventually crossing the line in 12th after a hard fight right to the line.
After the race, Degenkolb commented: “Even though the circumstances weren’t great at all in the end, with a puncture at possibly the worst moment for me, I was still able to do a good race and I’m really happy about that. Paris Roubaix is flowing through my veins. Like always, it’s the most brutal and roughest race you can imagine – nothing compares to this race.”
