TNT Sports
Museeuw, king of classics
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Published 06/08/2002 at 11:06 GMT+1
With his 11th World Cup classic win in Hamburg, Belgium's Johann Museeuw has proved once again he is the best one-day specialist in the peloton. So disappointed after finishing second in April's Tour of Flanders, the 36-year old considered retirement. But a week later, the Lion of Flanders surprised the field in Paris-Roubaix.
Eurosport
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With his 11th World Cup classic win in Hamburg, Belgium's Johann Museeuw has proved once again he is the best one-day specialist in the peloton. So disappointed after finishing second in April's Tour of Flanders, the 36-year old considered retirement. But a week later, the Lion of Flanders surprised the field in Paris-Roubaix.
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With a 96 point lead in the World Cup standing, the Domo leader is on his way to a third triumph after 1995 and 1996.
Skipping the three weeks of the Tour de France, the Belgian took advantage of his experience and power to outsprint his main rivals in a ten man sprint to the finish line of the Cyclassics.
''It was quite emotional when they gave me the jersey because I was thinking about the Brabanconne (Belgian national anthem) and the words that my little son Stefano said yesterday: ''Daddy you look wonderful with that jersey, please try to keep it longer.'' As my kid said - please move your ass one more time (win another sprint).''
Museeuw who announced he would retire after the 2003 spring classics, possibly under the colors of new team Quick-Step, is on the verge of claiming a third World Cup although his main rival Italian Paolo Bettini still has what it takes to worry the "Lion of Flanders".
"It's almost won, Museeuw told the press after the finish line in Hamburg. Bettini remains a serious threat so I will have to stay careful until the end."
Who would have imagined three years ago that the veteran would still be riding a bike in 2002. The cycling World remembers his dreadful fall in Paris Roubaix that almost cost him an early exit from the sport.
But like any big champion, Museeuw has the will to never give up. His triumph a year later in the "Hell of the North" (Paris-Roubaix) showing his injured knee to the cameras of the World, will for ever remain a symbol of his career.
In a weeks time the native of Varsenare will again be one to watch in the Classica San Sebastian, seventh leg of the World Cup... Although the Spanish race could prove to be slightly too hilly for Museeuw, he will be hunting for points and why not seal his third World Cup triumph.
Museeuw's season will however not be done and dusted yet: the hungry Lion would love to celebrate his 37th birthday in style on the day of the Zolder World Championship.
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