Wout van Aert and Visma | Lease a Bike want to surprise the competition at Paris–Roubaix: "Honestly, we’re not the top favorite"

Team director Grischa Niermann tempers the expectations in the Dutch team’s press release. “Like every year, this race is one of our main goals. We’re lining up with a strong and motivated group of riders. But just like in the Tour of Flanders, we have to be honest: we’re not the top favorite to win this race,” said the German. Riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar, Mads Pedersen, and Filippo Ganna are also considered among the favorites.

“We’re clearly growing throughout this spring,” said Niermann. “In the Tour of Flanders and Dwars door Vlaanderen, we were able to make good use of our strength in depth. We’ll carry that into Paris–Roubaix.” His team leader agrees.

“I’m taking a good feeling from this past week,” said Van Aert. “In Dwars door Vlaanderen and the Tour of Flanders, I felt strong, and the team rode two really solid races. That gives us confidence. Unfortunately, there were always a few riders who were just a bit stronger. At Paris–Roubaix too, a race I look forward to every year, we’ll be up against the same rivals. So once again, it’s going to come down to having a smart plan to try and surprise the top favorites.”

Also lining up is Matthew Brennan, the winner of GP Denain, where he used the Gravaa system. “Matthew has surprised us multiple times already. The fact that he already has three pro wins to his name is of course fantastic,” said team director Niermann about the 19-year-old Brit. “Given the steep curve of his development, we’ve adjusted his program slightly. Originally, he was going to ride a few more races with the Development Team, but we feel there’s not much left for him to learn there anymore.”

“But in a Monument like Paris–Roubaix, he still has everything to learn. The opportunity came up to bring him along, and we believe it can be a valuable experience for him to start here already,” the team leader added. Brennan agrees. “I keep surprising myself every week in this first pro season. Not just with the results, but also in the races I’m riding. Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was my first real classic, and I have to say it left me wanting more. I was in awe the entire race. GP Denain was my next pro race, and to win it straight away was incredibly special.”

“I’m really looking forward to this Sunday. Paris–Roubaix is a race young riders dream about. To already get the chance to take part, I see that as a hugely valuable step toward the rest of my career,” he concluded.

Wout van Aert
Matthew Brennan
Dylan van Baarle
Per Strand Hagenes
Niklas Behrens
Edoardo Affini
Julien Vermote