"I would be very happy if I could help Wout to victory in Hell" - Paris-Roubaix at the forefront of Christophe Laporte's mind
Cycling
Sporza recently caught up with Christophe Laporte ahead of the 2025 season, where he made it clear that he is determined to win another classic. The 32-year-old Team Visma | Lease a Bike rider was the 2023 European Champion and also claimed victories at Dwars door Vlaanderen and Gent–Wevelgem that year, but 2024 was more difficult for him.
"I hardly rode any cobbled classics last year. Only the Omloop and Paris-Roubaix. But I wasn't well prepared for the Hel."
Looking back on last year's classics, Laporte sighs as he reflects on a frustrating spring. The Frenchman battled stomach flu and saddle pain, which severely impacted his performances 12 months ago.
"My first goal is to stay 100 percent healthy this spring so that I can make optimal use of my capabilities."
Laporte is aiming to reach an even higher level than he did two years ago. "This spring I want to be even better than 2 years ago," he says ambitiously. "I hope to win another classic. That's what I've been preparing myself for this winter."
Despite his personal ambitions, he remains committed to supporting Wout van Aert in key races. "I will support Wout in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, he is still our leader in those 2 cobbled monuments. Although in those types of races it is difficult to rely on 1 rider."
Team Visma | Lease a Bike will rely on their collective strength to challenge for wins. "At Visma-Lease a Bike we still have a strong collective for the classics, including Matteo (Jorgenson) and Tiesj (Benoot). We should make use of that."
Laporte is eager to play an active role in the biggest races of the season. "The Tour and Paris-Roubaix are races in which a lot happens before the finale, I want to get involved in that."
He is also aware of his limitations against the sport's biggest stars. "I know I can't follow Wout, Mathieu and Pogacar, so I have to take a little lead."
Despite this, Paris-Roubaix remains his ultimate goal. "I would like to win that classic one day. But I would also be very happy if I could help Wout to victory in Hell."
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