Magnus Sheffield: "This feels truly just unbelievable"

At only 19 years of age, Magnus Sheffield has once again showed his tremendous potential as he delivered a very strong win at Brabantse Pijl. The American is one of cycling's most touted talents, and has taken the second win of his season once again due to INEOS Grenadiers' collective strength.

At the end of the Belgian classic in which he beat world-class competition today, Sheffield told: "I felt really good. I had two other teammates in the breakaway [Ben Turner and Tom Pidcock] but today it was really bad weather with the rain. Luckily it wasn’t too windy or cold. I just felt unbelievable when I found myself off the front with those last kilometres. I really didn’t expect to be able to hold on, and I really wanted to try to lead out my teammate Ben for the sprint. But I was off the front and I was able to hold on to the finish. It was really gritty out there and you just had to fight the whole way."

As in Amstel Gold Race, INEOS once again had several riders in the decisive move of the day and they used their collective power for individual success. Whilst Michal Kwiatkowski took a strong win last sunday, here Magnus Sheffield looked tremendously strong over the steep ascents of the 205-kilometer long race. Despite this, it was not out of power that he created his winning gap, but over an opportunist move.

"I just followed a move with Wellens. He swung off and I found myself alone. I knew I wanted to press it to try and force the other guys to chase, and let my other teammates sit on. But everyone was just kind of looking at each other because it was the final kilometres. I just went full gas, put it in the biggest gear and just tried to grind my way to the finish," he added.

It was no surprise to see him win after getting that gap as his teammates prevented an organized chase, but nevertheless it is impressive the performance Sheffield has put on, after taking a very similar win at this year's Vuelta a Andalucia in February.

He'll be racing Paris-Roubaix next Sunday where despite not having a leadership status, he can be a dangerous wildcard and a very important rider for INEOS tactics: "This feels truly just unbelievable. I was able to get a win at Ruta del Sol earlier this season, but to be able to win a one-day, especially in one of these semi classics, is unbelievable. This season has been incredible."