The following stage promises more excitement
The first day after the visit to Denmark was uneventful until van Aert and Co. attacked. The section on Wednesday from Lille to Arenberg promises to be significantly more exciting. Eleven cobblestone sectors have to be mastered, the first comes after about 74 kilometers. A total of 19.4 kilometers of bumpy dirt roads in northern France are on the program. Compared to the previous cobblestone stage of the 2018 Tour, the organizers chose longer sectors.
Back then, John Degenkolb celebrated one of the most emotional victories of his career. On Wednesday, there are also parts of the pavé sector between Erre and Wandignies, which bears Degenkolb’s name. With four stars, the pavé belongs to the second heaviest category and is the only one in the program of the classic Paris-Roubaix that is named after a still active professional. Degenkolb, who won the classic through the hell of the north in 2015, is one of the prominent sponsors of an association that is committed to preserving the cobblestone passages.
It is questionable whether Degenkolb has the form to repeat his coup from four years ago. Shortly before the tour, a corona infection threw him back. The veteran doesn’t really know where he stands. “The values in the medical tests were unremarkable and I didn’t notice anything during training either. But you will only really see it in the race,” said the Thuringian.
Mathieu van der Poel, who has already won the Tour of Flanders twice, is the top favourite. From a German point of view, Nils Politt could also have a chance. The German champion is in top form and finished second at Paris-Roubaix in 2019. However, the man from Cologne may have to protect his captain Alexander Vlasow and guide him safely across the pavement.