Is EF Education–EasyPost hoping for a Hayman scenario with surprise name at the start of Paris–Roubaix?

Just two weeks ago, it was reported that the former Tour of Flanders winner wouldn’t be competing in the classics. “A few weeks ago, I picked up an infection. After some rest, I thought I was back on track without having lost too much fitness, but during Paris–Nice I got worse. I had to rest again—at the worst possible time. All the work we did over the winter was ruined.”

“I’m healthy enough to race, but I don’t have the form to be competitive. That’s why, in agreement with the team, I decided to only return to racing when I could be the best version of myself,” Asgreen had said at the end of March.

So why is he racing Paris–Roubaix after all? “Over the past few weeks I’ve been able to ease back into training and get some hours in. Last week, I started to increase the intensity a bit,” said the Dane. “My expectations for Sunday aren’t very high, but I’m really happy to be racing and not missing all the classics this year. I’ll throw myself into those cobbles and support the guys for as long as I can.”

“We have some good young riders. Colby Simmons just moved up from the development team, and hopefully I can pass on some advice,” Asgreen added. “Paris–Roubaix is a very special race—for everyone, from the riders to the team directors and staff. And anything can happen, which is exactly what we’re hoping for this year.” Back in 2016, Matthew Hayman won the race after—just like Asgreen—missing the entire spring campaign and making a surprise return. Could a similar story unfold for Asgreen this time?

Madis Mikhels will be the lead rider for EF Education–EasyPost. The Estonian finished tenth last year. “Paris–Roubaix is absolutely my favorite classic and also the one that suits me best. It’s such a tough race—the hardest of them all, in my opinion. After the finish, everything hurts: your legs, your wrists, everything is sore. But if you have a bit of luck and can race at the front, it’s so much fun. Then, you barely even feel the cobbles.”

In addition to Asgreen and Mikhels, EF Education–EasyPost will line up with young talent Colby Simmons, along with Owain Doull, Alastair MacKellar, Jack Rootkin-Gray, and Max Walker for Paris–Roubaix.

Kasper Asgreen
Owain Doull
Alastair MacKellar
Madis Mikhels
Jack Rootkin-Gray
Colby Simmons
Max Walker