'We won against the best rider of this moment' – Team boss Richard Plugge says Wout van Aert beating Tadej Pogačar to Paris-Roubaix victory 'makes it even sweeter'

Visma-Lease a Bike team boss Richard Plugge expressed immense pride and emotion following Wout van Aert’s long-awaited victory at Paris-Roubaix, a race the Belgian had targeted since joining the team in 2019. Van Aert’s triumph was particularly dramatic, overcoming two punctures before launching a decisive attack on the cobbled sector 12 and ultimately out-sprinting reigning World Champion Tadej Pogačar on the final bend. Plugge highlighted the collective effort of the team, especially Christophe Laporte, in supporting Van Aert’s comeback during the race, emphasising the tactical discipline and teamwork that underpinned the win. Despite not being the pre-race favourite, with much attention focused on the anticipated duel between Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, Van Aert was a constant presence at the front, initiating attacks and forcing his rivals to respond. Plugge noted that defeating Pogačar, widely regarded as the best rider of this generation, made the victory even more satisfying. This win marked a significant milestone for Van Aert, who had faced doubts about his ability to claim another Monument victory since his 2020 Milan-San Remo success, especially after a series of crashes and injuries had affected his confidence and form. Reflecting on Van Aert’s journey, Plugge insisted that the rider’s power and skill had never diminished, despite setbacks. He pointed to Van Aert’s strong performances in recent races, including the Tour of Flanders and the wet cobbles stage of the previous Tour de France, as evidence of his enduring class and positioning prowess. Plugge attributed the breakthrough at Paris-Roubaix to Van Aert’s regained confidence and consistent form, which had been building steadily since his recovery from a serious crash a few years prior. The victory not only ended the long-standing question of Van Aert’s ability to win Paris-Roubaix but also reaffirmed his status among cycling’s elite. For the Visma-Lease a Bike team, the win was a testament to perseverance and strategic execution, showcasing how resilience and teamwork can overcome adversity. Looking ahead, this success is likely to boost Van Aert’s morale and ambitions in the Spring Classics, setting the stage for further high-profile performances in the coming seasons.