Vos, who will compete in her 201st one-day race on Sunday, has made a strong start to the season. The 36-year-old Dutchwoman won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in February and triumphed in Dwars door Vlaanderen last Wednesday. At the Tour of Flanders, she just missed out on the podium after a tough race.

"I look back on last Sunday with a good feeling", Vos said. "Fourth is not the result I was aiming for, but I am certainly not disappointed with the race I rode. I fought for victory for a long time I had to admit defeat on the Paterberg."

Meanwhile, Vos has her sights set on Saturday, when the second monument of the season takes place in France. When asked if she prefers the cobbles to the Flemish hills, Vos is clear. "No, I can't choose between them. Both are unique in their way and the ultimate to race on. They each have their own beauty."

According to Vos, Paris-Roubaix is unique because of its many cobblestones. The riders face seventeen cobbled sections, with the traditional finish in the velodrome. "There is something heroic about Paris-Roubaix. From the first edition, it immediately became one of the highlights of our calendar", Vos said.

"You know it will be challenging, and the odds have to be a in your favour. Some things are under your control; some are not. The only thing you can do is to be as fit as possible and try to stay out of trouble. You have to be ready for whatever comes your way."

Vos believes a lot is possible on the almost 150-kilometre course, but she is aware that the competition will be fierce, as it has been over the past few weeks. "That's no surprise. As a team, we will do everything we can to maximise our strengths."

In addition to Vos, the Team Visma | Lease a Bike squad consists of Sophie von Berswordt, Linda Riedmann, Margaux Vigié, Lieke Nooijen and Nienke Veenhoven.

Header photo: SRAM