'It's been my goal to win this race and point to the sky' – Wout van Aert dedicates Paris-Roubaix victory to late teammate as past misfortune gave him 'knowledge to pull it off'

Wout van Aert secured a long-awaited victory at Paris-Roubaix after seven attempts, finally triumphing in the iconic cobbled classic. The Belgian rider overcame significant challenges, including a puncture, to out-sprint reigning road world champion Tadej Pogačar in the velodrome finish. Van Aert’s tactical decision to closely follow Pogačar on the cobbles and his ability to respond to his rival’s attacks proved decisive in the final stages of the race. Van Aert reflected on the role of luck and experience in his success, acknowledging that despite feeling strong in previous editions, circumstances often worked against him. He credited past misfortunes and close calls with providing the insight and determination necessary to prevail this time. The race was marked by mechanical issues for several favourites, but Van Aert’s resilience and racecraft allowed him to capitalise when it mattered most. A poignant aspect of Van Aert’s victory was his dedication to the memory of his late teammate Michael Goolaerts, who tragically died during the 2018 Paris-Roubaix. Van Aert revealed that winning the race and pointing to the sky was a personal goal inspired by Goolaerts’ passing. Passing the sector where Goolaerts lost his life during this year’s race was an emotional moment for Van Aert, who believes his former teammate gave him extra strength to achieve this milestone. The win also marked a significant moment for Van Aert’s team, Visma-Lease a Bike, fulfilling a long-held ambition of their CEO Richard Plugge. Van Aert expressed pride in delivering the victory that had been a collective dream for years, acknowledging the sacrifices and pressures involved. His triumph at the “Hell of the North” not only cements his status among the classics greats but also offers a deeply personal and emotional chapter in his career.