ProTeam Looking ahead to Paris-Roubaix: Alec Segaert and Cedric Beullens preview the Hell of the North
Alec Segaert, for whom Roubaix is not too far from home, remains calm and realistic. He knows better than anyone that nothing in Paris-Roubaix is ever guaranteed. “A lot will depend on the weather,” he shares. “If it does rain, the race will become much more dangerous, nervous, and, of course, a lot harder. I have already raced in the rain in two junior editions, so I know what it’s like. It does not really matter to me.”
He has made a strong impression in previous editions, but unfortunately, bad luck has often held him back. “Last year I had three punctures, which made it hard to achieve a good result, so I hope to avoid that this year. If I do, I believe I can get far into the finale. My condition is good, and I have been enjoying racing in the last few weeks. Paris-Roubaix is one of the classics that suits me best.”
Such experience is priceless on a course that forgives nothing. Alec knows the pitfalls and understands that positioning, timing, and a bit of luck are just as important as physical strength. “Most of the cobbled sectors are familiar to me by now,” he continues. “I am hoping for a similar scenario to last year. With the wind, it is advantageous for the team to take the initiative, and I hope to be in the right position when it matters. With the teammates we have at the start, something should definitely be possible,” he says, looking determined ahead to Sunday.
Cedric Beullens is also excited to finally complete his spring classics campaign. “I am really happy that I will be able to race Paris-Roubaix right after my illness. Iam really looking forward to it because It is such a beautiful race. Last year, things were looking great for a good result until my crash. So, I am determined to make it right this time. It will not be easy, but my feeling on the cobbles during the recon was good, so I am really looking forward to being at the start line on Sunday,” he shares.
Photo: Brecht Steenhouwer
