British teenager Matthew Brennan stuns on debut at Paris-Roubaix: “It was quite emotional going through there”

At just 19 years old, Matthew Brennan produced a sensational ride on his Paris-Roubaix debut, impressing throughout in one of cycling’s most iconic and brutal races.

The British prospect, riding for Team Visma | Lease a Bike, held his own against the best in the world over the punishing cobblestones of northern France, and admitted it all felt a bit surreal.

“Yeah I think it was… when you're there with like 20 guys who are the world's best bike riders you start to think like how have I ended up here,” he said after the finish to Cycling Pro Net. “But yeah I did what I could.”

Brennan was even given the green light to ride for his own result after teammate Wout van Aert, one of the pre-race favourites, began to struggle mid-race.

“Wout at the time wasn't feeling the best and he told me to kind of go for my own opportunity. He started to put a bit of work for me which I… you know when Wout van Aert starts working for you it's like oh.”

Despite the dream scenario, Brennan eventually ran out of energy in the final stages.

“It was… unfortunately I kind of ran out of bullets. You know, still being young you don't necessarily have the capacity to go past, yeah, 210, 220k and then yeah, you just blow up unfortunately. But yeah I really enjoyed it.”

The atmosphere of Roubaix’s legendary cobbled sectors left a lasting impression on the youngster, with the roar of the crowds and the adrenaline of the race making it a truly unique experience.

“It was awesome… it was quite emotional going through there,” Brennan said. “Like when there's hundreds of people shouting your name and yeah, it's unbelievable, nothing like it.”

On the technical side, Brennan also gave insight into the tyre pressure system Visma Lease a Bike used, which allowed him to adapt to both road and cobbled conditions on the fly.

“I think on the road sections especially earlier on was a big benefit,” he explained. “You're not riding on a pressure that you want to use on the cobbles. And then when you hit the cobbles it's so much smoother, the ride is really comfortable. And then I think you have a lot more grip, especially in the corners and stuff… those are little bullets that you have to spend and I think it's quite a nice system.”

So, will we see him take on the Hell of the North again next year?

“Absolutely,” Brennan smiled.