Crashes and punctures plague Soudal - Quick Step at Paris-Roubaix

Soudal - Quick Step had hoped that Paris-Roubaix would be a turning point for them, but their plans were thwarted by various issues such as chain problems, flat tires, and a serious crash.

"What else can I say? I don't feel like it, call someone else,” were the exact words of the boss Patrick Lefevere after witnessing his team’s performance. None of the riders managed to secure a position in the top 20, with Tim Merlier and Yves Lampaert settling for 23rd and 24th place.

The race ended prematurely for Kasper Asgreen, Davide Ballerini, and Bert Van Lerberghe, as they were forced to withdraw due to crashes and punctures. "On the first cobblestone section, Kasper Asgreen blocked his derailleur, Ballerini and Sénéchal had a puncture on the second section, where Van Lerberghe also fell. In the meantime, Asgreen had another puncture and not much later he fell in the Trouée d'Arenberg,” said manager Wilfried Peeters.

Although he admits that luck is not entirely to blame. “But I can't deny that there was only bad luck involved. If you are at the front of the race, you have less chance of accidents and falls. We should not let ourselves be known, even if we are disappointed. And work hard for it, because you don't just get a second chance. We know how many people work at 110% for us,” concluded Peeters.