'My first Paris-Roubaix and I win' - Sonny Colbrelli in disbelief after stunning victory
All three of the podium finishers were making their debut in the race
Sonny Colbrelli has expressed his amazement after winning a legendary 2021 edition of Paris-Roubaix.
The European and Italian champion formed a small chasing group after the Trouée d'Arenberg and eventually worked his way into the race's winning move, beating Alpecin-Fenix's pre-race favourite Mathieu van der Poel and little-known Florian Vermeersch of Lotto-Soudal in the velodrome.
It is Colbrelli's eighth win of a superb season, the 31-year-old falling to the grass in the immediate aftermath of his victory and letting out cries of joy and disbelief.
"It's unbelievable," the Bahrain Victorious rider told Eurosport. "My first Paris-Roubaix and I win? I don't know. I am very happy.
"Today is a legend [edition] of Roubaix, no? With the rain, with the weather, with the race at the start, I attacked with 90km to go after the Arenberg and always I followed Van der Poel. Then after a super sprint I am very happy for this victory.
"It was super difficult: for the pain, for the attention, for the fight [to be] first on the sector; always there was stress in having [a good] position on the cobble stones."
Earlier in the race it looked like Italy's first winner in the Hell of the North since 1999 would come via Gianni Moscon, the Ineos Grenadiers rider holding an advantage of over a minute with 30km to ride.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
A flat tyre and then a fall on the cobbles wrecked Moscon's chances, though, allowing Colbrelli, Van der Poel and Vermeersch to take charge in the final 15 kilometres.
The trio entered the velodrome as one and Colbrelli timed his sprint right to come back Vermeersch.
"Gianni attacked 30, 40km at the start of the race - he was super, super strong," Colbrelli said of his fellow countryman. "How long is that, 200km? But behind Gianni, me, Van der Poel, Florian and the other two riders we worked well together.
"The Lotto Soudal rider started at 200 metres to go, but at 25 metres I jumped for the lead. I was on the limit but I am very happy.
"My [favourite] race is Flanders, and then second Roubaix. This is amazing. This year is my... I am very happy."
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
A freelance sports journalist and podcaster, you'll mostly find Chris's byline attached to news scoops, profile interviews and long reads across a variety of different publications. He has been writing regularly for Cycling Weekly since 2013. In 2024 he released a seven-part podcast documentary, Ghost in the Machine, about motor doping in cycling.
Previously a ski, hiking and cycling guide in the Canadian Rockies and Spanish Pyrenees, he almost certainly holds the record for the most number of interviews conducted from snowy mountains. He lives in Valencia, Spain.
-
I'm about to turn 40 - how can I keep riding fast?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
By Charlie Graham-Dixon Published
-
Life Time Grand Prix to have fewer riders and wild cards in 2025
The flagship US gravel series has confirmed the six races that will be a part of the competition next year
By Adam Becket Published
-
Sonny Colbrelli officially retires, months after cardiac arrhythmia scare
Former Paris-Roubaix winner speaks of "second chance", as he steps back from pro cycling
By Adam Becket Published
-
Sonny Colbrelli says he needs a 'miracle' to get back on bike, after collapsing at Volta a Catalunya
Italian rider remains in hospital in Girona, four days after incident; cause behind heart problem still unknown
By Adam Becket Published
-
Sonny Colbrelli suffered an 'unstable cardiac arrhythmia' at the Volta a Catalunya, cause still unknown
Bahrain-Victorious say their rider is in a "good" clinical situation
By Adam Becket Published
-
Sonny Colbrelli 'conscious and feeling okay' after collapse at Volta a Catalunya
Bahrain Victorious say tests carried out on Italian show "no signs of concern"
By Adam Becket Last updated
-
Sonny Colbrelli collapses metres after Volta a Catalunya stage one finish, in stable condition after medical treatment
Bahrain-Victorious rider reportedly responded positively to treatment at the scene, now in hospital in Girona
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Sonny Colbrelli outwits Remco Evenepoel to become European men's road race champion
The Italian refused to let the Belgian out of sight and expectedly beat him in the finishing sprint
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published