Oded Kogut’s Paris–Roubaix Debut: A Nightmare Turned Pure Joy

Oded Kogut’s debut at Paris–Roubaix was everything he feared — and more. The Israeli national champion of Israel – Premier Tech survived a wild, unforgettable day marked by crashes, punctures, a broken wheel, and constant chaos. And yet, he finished satisfied, dirty, bloodied, and already dreaming of his next time at the Hell of the North.

“I expected it to be the craziest day of my career,” says Kogut. “And even that didn’t quite prepare me.”

“The stress started early, especially with the wind and warnings about slick cobblestone sections. From the beginning, it was hard to even help my teammates as planned — honestly, I barely managed to help myself and entered the first sector badly positioned.

“From there until the iconic Arenberg Forest, it was a battle just to stay in the peloton. Crashes were happening left and right in front of me — I somehow avoided them by the skin of my teeth and held my ground.

“But in Arenberg, I got a puncture that cost me dearly. The team car couldn’t reach me, and I had to wait a long time until I finally got a replacement wheel from the Shimano neutral service bike.”

“Eventually, I joined a strong group and was feeling good — until I flatted again, this time in the front wheel. I knew a spare was waiting at the end of the sector, so I rode the whole thing with a flat — not an easy task.

“That ended in a broken wheel and a crash. Luckily, I got a ‘lifesaver’ wheel from Quick – Step and managed to keep going… until the third puncture hit! This time, I got a quick change and pushed all the way to the finish.”

Kogut crossed the line 105th, comfortably ahead of the time cut, to complete an unforgettable Roubaix debut.

He adds: “The reward for all the pain came when we entered the Roubaix velodrome. It’s a crazy feeling to ride that final lap, covered in mud and blood. I’m sure I’ll come back here one day — a better, stronger rider, and hopefully with a little more luck.”

“Earlier this week someone asked me what my favorite race is, and I didn’t know what to answer. Now, after everything I went through — the pain, the suffering — I think I’m falling in love.”