Morning routine of Alpecin-Deceunick as ideal preparation for Roubaix: "You automatically get into the mood"

Preparation for a race like Paris-Roubaix begins weeks and months in advance, but the morning of the race day is also essential. With more than 250 kilometers of challenges, including the infamous cobbled sections, there is no room for error. Two teammates of the 2024 winner, Mathieu van der Poel, look back on their morning on that memorable day in April, just before the start of the Hell of the North.

On race day, the Alpecin-Deceuninck riders sat down early for breakfast, Oscar Riesebeek, who calls himself a morning person, tells Wieler Revue. "I was awake between seven and eight o'clock. It's early, but that suits me. As is Gianni, Mathieu (Van der Poel, ed.) is often awake early. Sprinters like Jasper (Philipsen, ed.) usually take more time to sleep longer."

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Van der Poel crosses the line as winner

At Alpecin, they live as one group leading up to the race

But even they are soon pulled into the relaxed atmosphere of the Belgian team. "If someone has trouble in the morning, they automatically join in the positive mood of the group," said Riesebeek.

Everyone needs time to themselves, especially in the hectic cycling world. So, the Dutch rider often takes a moment for himself, usually before a stage or race. "I am someone who sometimes locks himself away in my hotel room to review the important points of the course. I take notes, but otherwise, we live as one group toward the course," the Dutch rider said.

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Gianni Vermeersch

At Paris-Roubaix, the race tactics are simple: be in the front

Gianni Vermeersch, who also considers himself an early bird, was already awake about 6:30 a.m. during Roubaix. "I got energy right away and was one of the first at breakfast," he says. About the course preparation, Vermeersch says, "The briefing was short and to the point. Paris-Roubaix is a simple race regarding tactics: you must be in front of every cobbled section. Thanks to the recon in the days before, we knew exactly what to expect."

Still, Paris-Roubaix always brings a certain tension. It is such a unique race that many specific preparations have to be made. Choices such as which material and tire pressure to use cause many riders the necessary headaches. Vermeersch, however, suffers less from this. "Because of my experience, I am less nervous, but the material remains crucial in this race. That always makes me a little more tense," Vermeersch admits.

The strong team spirit within Alpecin-Deceuninck plays a significant role in the preparation. "On the bus, you boost each other,' Vermeersch says. With a bit of music, everyone is extra motivated for a race like Roubaix. Especially because our classic squad is so close-knit."

The winner is always right. Van der Poel won by a large margin a few hours later. With a three-minute lead and a solo of almost sixty kilometers, the Dutch rider crossed the line triumphantly at the cycling track. Getting up early, relaxing, and listening to music are the ideal cocktails for a Paris-Roubaix victory.

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