A mud-bath, an over-inflated spare tyre, and a domestique holding the cobblestone trophy – Servais Knaven relives his iconic Paris-Roubaix victory 25 years on

Servais Knaven’s victory at the 2001 Paris-Roubaix remains one of the most memorable moments in the race’s history, marking a defining achievement in his cycling career. The 99th edition of the Hell of the North was notorious for its extreme mud and challenging conditions, which saw crashes and mechanical failures disrupt the peloton. Despite being considered a domestique within the dominant Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco team, Knaven emerged as the surprise winner, securing a historic 1-2-3 finish for his squad and cementing his name alongside the greats of the cobbled classic. The race was characterised by relentless rain that transformed the cobblestone sectors into treacherous stretches of mud, making positioning and teamwork crucial. Knaven’s role initially was to support the team’s leaders, including Johan Museeuw and Romans Vainsteins, but as the race unfolded, the Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco riders worked in unison to control the front, avoiding crashes and mechanical issues where possible. A pivotal moment came at the notorious Trouée d’Arenberg sector, where Knaven helped position Museeuw before teammate Wilfried Peeters launched an attack, setting the stage for a tactical finale dominated by the team. In the closing stages, Museeuw suffered a puncture, forcing the team to regroup, but Knaven seized the opportunity with a decisive attack 10 kilometres from the finish. Despite riding on an over-inflated spare tyre provided by neutral service, which made the cobbles even more punishing, he powered away from the remaining contenders to cross the Roubaix velodrome alone, 34 seconds ahead of Museeuw. Reflecting on the moment, Knaven described the final climb into Roubaix as feeling like the legendary Alpe d’Huez, highlighting the physical and mental toll of his solo effort. Knaven’s triumph not only showcased his resilience and tactical acumen but also underscored the strength of the newly formed Domo-Farm Frites-Latexco team, which had yet to claim a major victory before that day. Now 55, Knaven remains connected to the race, leading Shimano’s neutral service fleet for ASO and returning annually to the cobbles. His victory continues to resonate as a testament to the unpredictable nature of Paris-Roubaix and the enduring spirit required to conquer its brutal terrain.