“I don't have to fear anything, because I have nothing to lose" - John Degenkolb dreaming of more Paris-Roubaix success

Few men have been as synonymous with the modern era of Paris-Roubaix as John Degenkolb. Winner in 2015, and with a cobbled section named in his honour, the German will return this Sunday aiming for another fairytale triumph.

“I have the privilege to be an active pro cyclist with my own pavé sector and ride on it. Having the possibility last year to ride on there in the first position of the peloton, that was basically the greatest moment in last year's race for me," the 35-year-old German recalls fondly to GCN. "To see my entire family, my children, my wife, my parents and just see the blink in their eyes when they saw me live, not just on the TV. This is something that stays forever. I'm creating memories like this.”

“I don't have to fear anything, because I have nothing to lose,” Degenkolb continues. “I have one cobblestone at home and that is something that no one can take from me. But obviously I also start with a big portion of respect. This is definitely also necessary, because there are a lot of things that can play a role that you have no influence on, so you have to hope for good luck. It is a crazy day and it really will be a crazy day on Sunday again, but I'm prepared for it and I'm looking forward to it.”

Despite a crash on Friday whilst doing some reconnaissance, Degenkolb remains upbeat. “It was actually even on my sector, so it was a really stupid crash. A teammate of mine slipped down and I basically crashed over him," he says of the incident. "That was it, but shit can happen, and we have to move on from now and we try to do the best to recover as fast as possible.”

“I think my expectation is to just do the best possible race, try to throw everything I have in and see where I come out,” the German adds. “And beside that, also enjoy it, because I'm also aware that it's not plenty of times that I will be here in the race.”