Demol looks to build Katusha's Politt bureau of Classics riders
In a season of turmoil and disappointment, the emergence of Nils Politt for Katusha-Alpecin offers the struggling team a foothold in the campaign and a rider on which to build their future. His status as a dark horse for the podium in Roubaix was justified with a well-rounded and impressive performance, but it wasn't just his legs that made the grade, with other tell-tail signs to suggest that he can be a consistent force in the future.
First was his ability to be aggressive at the right moments. He was present in the early move of 23 riders, and with a teammate for company, the 25-year-old could afford to take a backseat and concentrate on staying out of trouble. He was then proactive and laid the groundwork for the winning move with just under 70 kilometres to go.
It wasn't just power Politt displayed. He showed composure, too. When the pace was high, he sat back, measuring his efforts when a rider of lesser equanimity would have gone into the red. When only Gilbert could match Politt's final attack, it showed that the German was more than just a breakaway companion willing to ride for fifth place.
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At the finish line, a jubilant Dirk Demol admitted to Cyclingnews that he had followed Politt throughout his career as a U23 rider, and with the Belgian now at Katusha after a winter switch from Trek, Demol has a leader of immense promise. With 'one or two more' signings, as Demol described, Katusha could have one of the most capable Classics teams next year.
However, their collective line up also deserve praise. Marco Haller was immense, Mads Schmidt provided a performance of heroism in the early stages, while Rick Zabel and Reto Hollenstein also played their parts, too.
What's also worth mentioning is that within their Roubaix ranks only one rider was above 30, and as a squad they have evolved rather than started afresh with Classics riders. Of the squad that supported Alexander Kristoff in his last Roubaix for the team in 2017, five riders have survived, including Politt.
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