On the day of fear, John Degenkolb’s heart rises. When the Tour de France tackles the cobblestone stage to the infamous Arenberg forest on Wednesday, the veteran is in his comfort zone.
“Of course I picked this stage,” says the 33-year-old. After all, a triumph at Paris-Roubaix 2015 is on his CV. In addition, the native of Thuringia won in 2018, when the tour led through the “Hell of the North” for the last time.
What Degenkolb is looking forward to like a small child sometimes causes panic among the contenders for overall victory. “In the end there will be many who will be happy when it’s over,” says Degenkolb about the 153.7-kilometer fifth stage. “They’ll be happy if they’ve lost just a minute or two or don’t have to go home all the way.”
Memories of Paris-Roubaix
The route planners included eleven sections on the so-called pavés in the section. Four of them are regularly driven at the classic Paris-Roubaix. While there were many short sectors in 2018, this year they are more select and longer. “The cumulative distance is less important than the length of each sector,” said route manager Thierry Gouvenou.