With over a hundred kilometres to go, Team Jumbo-Visma decided to cause a stir. "We created a nice situation there because Christophe Laporte was also with the best. Unfortunately, he lost his position a little later due to a puncture. Because we were not in the majority in the breakaway, I had to play it smart”, Van Aert stated after the fastest edition of Paris-Roubaix ever.

On one of the most challenging cobbled sections of the day, the Carrefour de l'Arbre, Van Aert took the initiative. Unfortunately, the Belgian's rear tire punctured just as he was about to make a decisive attack. "You immediately know that it's over. You quickly lose half a minute with a tyre change like that. You can never make up the difference to Mathieu, who was in top form”, Van Aert said.

The 28-year-old Fleming was especially frustrated that he could not exploit his strong legs in the closing stages. "I've never had such strong legs when turning up the Carrefour de l'Arbre as I did today. It's hard to accept because I really wanted to win this race. We will never know what the result would have been in the end without my bad luck, but it probably would have been higher than third place."

Van Aert's spring has come to an end. "I am proud of my achievements over the past period and how we have raced as a team. Even though the huge win may not have materialised, these setbacks help you grow stronger. I did everything I could to show what I can do. I hope the fans have enjoyed it."