Mohorič and Segaert lead Bahrain Victorious onto the cobbles of Paris–Roubaix

# Mohorič and Segaert Ready for Challenge at Paris–Roubaix

As the cycling world shifts its focus from the emotional spectacle of the Tour of Flanders to the storied roads of Paris–Roubaix, the 123rd edition promises to be a thrilling showdown. Scheduled for April 12, this prestigious race will cover a grueling 258.3 km starting in Compiègne and culminating at the iconic Roubaix Velodrome, featuring a challenging 54.8 km of cobblestone sections.

With 30 pavé sectors to navigate, the race’s key moments are expected to unfold on the formidable five-star sectors — Trouée d’Arenberg (km 163), Mons-en-Pévèle (km 209.7), and Carrefour de l’Arbre (km 241.2). Michał Gołaś, Sports Director for Bahrain Victorious, shared insights about the upcoming challenges: “The opening cobbled sectors have been slightly modified compared to last year, returning to the version used two years ago. There are four sectors back-to-back with almost no tarmac in between, followed by an additional sector with an uphill section. It will be a crucial moment, but we need to be attentive from the start.”

Gołaś cautioned that the tail-crosswind would render the early parts of the race especially fast and risky, increasing the likelihood of splits among riders. “It will be very important to be in the right group and to follow moves with our leaders, Alec and Matej, to gain an advantage.”

Matej Mohorič is set to make his fifth appearance at Paris–Roubaix, aiming to improve on his best finish of fifth place in 2022. He expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “Paris–Roubaix is the Classic I look forward to the most in the whole spring. It’s the most chaotic and, in my opinion, the one closest to my heart, especially since Sonny won it in 2021. I will keep trying to reach the podium myself and hopefully fight for victory one day.”

Mohorič is confident in his form: “I feel my condition is at a very high level, and I hope luck will be on our side. We also have a very balanced team, with strong options like Alec, who is in great shape. We’ve been looking forward to this race for a long time, and now we finally get our chance.”

Alec Segaert, participating in Paris–Roubaix for the third time, boasts a notable history with the cobbles, having finished second in the junior edition in 2021. He shared his thoughts on the distinct characteristics of this race: “It was my first time on the cobbles, and I fell in love immediately. Paris–Roubaix is probably the race that suits me best. Compared to the Tour of Flanders, which has many climbs, this race is flat and better suited to my characteristics at this stage of my career.”

Segaert also exuded confidence in his potential: “If everything goes right, I can see scenarios where I arrive at the velodrome fighting for a podium, even for the win. I feel very good and I’m improving throughout this first part of the season, so I’m confident ahead of Sunday.”

To bolster their chances, Bahrain Victorious will deploy the experienced Kamil Gradek and Phil Bauhaus alongside newcomers Alessandro Borgo, Žak Eržen, and Matevž Govekar. Gołaś emphasized their essential role: “They will play a key role in protecting and positioning our leaders before the crucial sectors like Trouée d’Arenberg and Haveluy à Wallers. After that, as always in Roubaix, it becomes a race of survival.”

As the anticipation builds for what is regarded as the “Queen of the Classics,” the Bahrain Victorious team is poised to make their mark in a race known for its unpredictability and drama. Gołaś concluded, “The level is extremely high, and the favourites are strong and motivated. It will be a spectacular race, and we hope to be part of the decisive moves.”