Analyst Zonneveld believes Visma | Lease a Bike can create chaos at Paris-Roubaix (Thanks in part to the new crazy tire system)

On Saturday, it’s the women’s turn to take on the cobblestones around Roubaix. “It’s going to be a very fast race. I expect the race to open up from quite far out. That’s probably not in favor of riders like Lorena Wiebes and Elisa Balsamo, who will be hoping the race slows down often and doesn’t stay high-paced,” Zonneveld begins.

“It’s truly a weapon for Visma | Lease a Bike,” the Dutchman continues. “It’s a fantastic innovation that the team has implemented very well. It could very well win them the race, and I expect that in the coming years, more teams will adopt this system.”

Former Belgian national coach Sven Vanthourenhout got the chance to test the bike with the tire pressure system for Sporza, and he, too, was impressed. “It’s incredible how quickly I can lower the pressure in my tires. I see nothing but advantages and would definitely dare to use it. The system has been thoroughly tested, and the riders are now used to operating it. That’s crucial for Paris-Roubaix, where you’re constantly entering or exiting cobbled sectors. Riders will have to work those buttons a lot.”

But the competition for Van Aert and company is fierce. One of the riders he’ll face is Pogacar. “I think Tadej’s passion for racing and his desire to win everywhere is just so deeply ingrained. I don’t expect him to be given any space, but the team around him is insanely strong. That said, he is the only leader, which could be risky.”

But Ganna isn’t Italy’s only card to play, Jonathan Milan will also be on the start line. “Lidl-Trek has such a strong team with Mads Pedersen, Jasper Stuyven, and Daan Hoole. But you can’t forget about Jonathan Milan. Try dropping him. If you’re heading toward the Velodrome with him, you know you’ve got a problem. On the track, he’s got the most experience by far.”

And when Zonneveld is asked to pick a single favorite for the win, he can’t. “The start list is just insane. So many teams have riders capable of winning. I think this might be the best Paris-Roubaix ever. Every team is going to want it, this is going to be amazing,” the Dutchman concludes.