Van Baarle dreams of Roubaix repeat but fears one name: "Don’t underestimate him"

"My form is good, but the puzzle pieces still need to come together," Van Baarle begins his story. "If I look at my wattages, the last three races have been my toughest. I am no worse than in the year I won Paris-Roubaix, but the competition level has risen enormously. Behind the top favorites is a massive group of riders of equal ability, which was not the case in the past."

In 2022, the Dutch rider had his best spring ever, winning Paris-Roubaix and finishing second in the Tour of Flanders. Yet he still cannot compete in the final despite feeling just as strong. "I guess I just lack the racing toughness I normally have after a full season the year before. I'm good in training, but I'm still not finding the right rhythm in the races, and that's what I'm looking for."

Van Baarle ultimately finished 41st in the Tour of Flanders behind an unleashed Tadej Pogacar, who, for a change, once again showed why he is the world champion. "You know he will win, but you can do nothing about it. From the second time he rode the Oude Kwaremont, he didn't climb any of the hills at a normal speed. It's just impressive to see how he does it."

Wout Poels is also extremely impressed by the Slovenian. "It was a truly wonderful race, I certainly enjoyed it. But Pogacar, he's not normal. How he rode away from everyone on the Oude Kwaremont was amazing. Especially because you know that behind Pogacar, Van Aert, Van der Poel, and Pedersen are also riding a really good race."

On Sunday, Paris-Roubaix will conclude the first part of the spring cycling season. Van Baarle hopes to give it his all one last time in the Hell. "It's going to be an interesting race. Pogacar will also be at the start. But I don't think he can beat Wout, Mathieu, or Mads on the flat cobblestone sections. But I don't expect him to be beaten, either. He might just win on his debut."

Poels also highly rates Pogacar's chances. "If someone asks me if he can win Paris-Roubaix, I'll say yes without a doubt! He is the most complete cyclist out there, and I don't think I've ever seen such a complete cyclist. It's so cool that a multiple Tour de France winner is riding here."

And Van Baarle's chances? Of course, he has a chance, too, according to Poels. "If Dylan is in the right place at the right time, he could go far. It's not for nothing that he has already won Paris-Roubaix once.' Van Baarle is also confident: 'I'm in good shape, and if my legs are up for it, I could just as easily win. But luck is also a very important factor."