Mathieu van der Poel poised for history at Paris-Roubaix: “I always try to race on instinct”

Tomorrow, Mathieu van der Poel stands on the brink of cycling history. The Alpecin-Deceuninck leader has the chance to become just the third rider ever to win Paris-Roubaix three times in a row, a feat that would cement his legend on the cobbles and place him alongside the race’s all-time greats.

Speaking to Cycling Pro Net ahead of the 2025 edition, van der Poel appeared relaxed and focused, reflecting on his preparation and what to expect on race day.

"Yeah I mean it's yeah one of those special races where you work for a winter so I think we are ready with the team to try and make it a success again."

When asked whether the team had a specific plan in mind, van der Poel downplayed the idea of strict tactics, suggesting instinct would once again guide his approach.

"No it's more instinct I think I always try to race on instinct but especially in rub there are so many things that can happen um on every cobble section so yeah you just have to uh try to be in the race and uh yeah try to stay in front and hopefully no punctures."

Just a week after winning the Tour of Flanders, van der Poel was also asked whether that performance lingers in his mind heading into Roubaix.

"No for sure this is different I think yeah Roubaix is is a whole different race and we have a lot of favourites who can who can win um so yeah we will see it will be a good battle tomorrow."

The presence of other big names, likely including Pogacar, Ganna, and Van Aert, adds further excitement to the race, and van der Poel acknowledged how their participation raises the stakes.

"Yeah for sure I mean yeah it's good for the race that he's here and yeah for sure we know he's going to try something and try to win so um yeah it will be a hard race like like every year."

If van der Poel can navigate the chaos and cobbles once more, a third straight victory in Roubaix would mark yet another milestone in an already glittering career.