Peter Sagan claims Paris-Roubaix

Paris : Peter Sagan (Bora-Hansgrohe) silenced the critics with a near-faultless and all-conquering performance to win Paris-Roubaix.

The world champion attacked from a group of favourites with 54km remaining and never looked back. He swept up the remnants of the early break, with Silvan Dillier (AG2R la Mondiale) the only rider to capable of staying with him.

The duo worked together over the cobbles, and despite a late fightback from the chasers, entered the velodrome together. Sagan took the sprint to seal his second Monument win, and end Quick-Step’s domination of the Spring Classics.

Dillier’s classy ride was enough to seal second, with former winner Niki Terpstra (Quick-Step Floors) completing the podium. Last year’s winner, Greg Van Avermaet (BMC Racing), who attacked just before Sagan, was forced to settle for fourth.

The day belonged to the world champion, who became the first rider in 37 years to win Paris-Roubaix while wearing the rainbow jersey. 

Sagan’s winning attack came after excellent work from his teammates, who nullified several dangerous moves, and kept their leader clear of trouble when several other riders were caught behind in crashes.

His attack came at almost the same point at which Tom Boonen broke free to win in 2012. Considering Boonen’s recent criticism over the Bora rider, Sagan could not have offered a more powerful response, letting his legs do the talking as Boonen’s former teammates forlornly tried to get on terms.