Every year Zdenek Stybar (Etixx – Quick-Step) inches closer to the trophy that is handed to the winner of Paris-Roubaix. After a sixth place during his debut in 2013, and fifth last year, Stybar finished as runner-up in the sprint for victory on the legendary Roubaix vélodrome behind John Degenkolb (Giant-Alpecin).
But when Stybar walked off the podium he wasn't showing his usual smiley demeanor. He realised that he missed out on the big win he dreamed about.
"Right now I'm a little bit disappointed as I came very close to winning this race. When you go in the sprint with John Degenkolb, who's one of the fastest guys in the peloton, then you know it's going to be really hard. Still I believed in it. I got second. It's a double feeling. If you're so close you want to win.
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"It's my big dream to win this race and the Tour of Flanders. I'm working very hard for it. It'’s the third time I participate. Now I was sixth, fifth and second so I hope one day that I will win this race," Stybar said.
On the podium he seemed somewhat emotional when standing next to Degenkolb who lifted the cobblestone trophy in the air. “If you're so close there's disappointment. It's really nice to come here to fight for the first place on the vélodrome of Roubaix. It's a pity that I couldn't take the cobblestone above my head but I get very close and I hope that one day I can do it."
After coming off the Templeuve cobbles at more than 30 kilometres from Roubaix he reacted to the attack from Bradley Wiggins (Sky). Stybar bridged up to the Sky-rider who was riding his final road race for the team.
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
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