'Mr. Roubaix' Roger de Vlaeminck thinks winning Paris-Roubaix was harder in his era: "There are no competitors now like there were 40 years ago"

Holder of the Paris-Roubaix wins record, Roger de Vlaeminck, often nicknamed 'Mr. Roubaix', doesn't have to fear to lose his crown this year, not even to Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutch world champion is the main favourite for the 'Queen of the Classics' also according to the Belgian, who makes a point that the racing used to be way tougher in his days.

What does he think of the duel between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert? "Van Der Poel is a little better than Van Aert. Except in the time trial, where Van Aert is a little better. And in the sprint, they are a little the same perhaps."

However, it is impossible for Roger de Vlaeminck to compare the two eras. For him, the field is not as tough as in his time, particularly at Paris-Roubaix: "When you arrive alone, there are no competitors now like there were 40 years ago. No Bernard Hinault, Eddy Merckx. Before, there were ten Italian riders who were strong. Now there is nothing."

"Van Der Poel is the best rider for road races. Also Van Aert, but he had a bad fall." The classics legend is 'almost sure' that the world champion will do it again on the Queen of Classics on Sunday. "Without punctures and without crashes, it's the best."

"All the races, he rode in the lead, flat out." Even after being beaten by Mads Pedersen at Gent Wevelgem, Roger de Vlaeminck was convinced: "Mathieu van der Poel was going to win the Tour of Flanders without problems."