Arnaud De Lie takes a relaxed approach to his Paris-Roubaix debut - "Don't think I have anything special to prove in this classic"

Arnaud De Lie is set to make his Paris-Roubaix debut. His recent string of victories has turned heads and impressed many, leading to heightened anticipation and speculation about his performance in this iconic race.

"I have done two reconnaissance rides on the cobbles, Monday was drier, and Friday was muddier. I enjoyed both experiences, and they suit me quite well,” he said in the press conference. He continues, “I learned some small details in the placement, for example, before Arenberg: being in the top 10 at the entrance of the sector allows you to choose where you want to put your wheels.”

Though he may be a first-timer, he has already recognised that the outcome of the race cannot be solely attributed to individual performance, as there are numerous variables that could have an impact. “There are a lot of things that come into play: luck, knowledge of the course where you only ride once a year. I don't think I have anything special to prove in this classic, I am serene and I will ride this race with the ambition to do a good result and above all to be happy with my performance after the race.”

Regardless of the ultimate result, the Belgian cyclist is eager to take part in the race and compete against other cyclists, with a focus on making the most of his debut and enjoying the experience. “Strategically, this race has to be won with a big advantage, even more so than in a Flandrienne. If a big group of 15-20 riders comes out, you have to be in it If you have a bad day, if you have punctures, it becomes difficult. But I'm impatient, there will certainly be a bit of apprehension in the first cobbled sector, we will have to race as fair as possible,” concluded the Belgian rider.