Mathieu van der Poel rides 'on edge of physics' in Paris-Roubaix win, Tadej Pogacar crash sparks 'revenge' talk

Mathieu van der Poel claimed a third Paris-Roubaix title in imperious style, riding solo to victory after rival Tadej Pogacar crashed. The Dutch star, described as operating "on the very edge of the laws of physics" by 2004 champion Magnus Backstedt, was faultless on the cobbles. Despite recovering, Pogacar never got back on terms as Van der Poel powered to another iconic win in Roubaix.

Highlights: Van der Poel conquers 'Hell of the North' again, Pogacar second after crash

Video credit: TNT Sports

Three-time Paris-Roubaix champion Mathieu van der Poel rides "on the very edge of the laws of physics", according to former winner Magnus Backstedt.

Van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) completed a remarkable hat-trick at the "Hell of the North" after taking control once debutant Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) had crashed.

It had all the makings of a classic, with cycling’s biggest one-day stars locked in battle across the brutal cobbles. But just as a thrilling finale looked on the cards, Pogacar carried too much speed into a corner and hit the deck with 38km remaining.

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The three-time Tour de France champion lost over 20 seconds in the incident - and although he briefly threatened a fightback, Van der Poel's superior bike-handling proved decisive as the elastic finally snapped.

Speaking afterwards on The Breakaway on TNT Sports, 2004 champion Backstedt lauded Van der Poel's ability.

"His margin for error is completely different," he said.

Van der Poel pushes 'law of physics' to limit - Backstedt

Video credit: TNT Sports

"What we deem a safe controlled margin of error, his is so close to the very edge of the laws of physics. I don't think we can even comprehend what he is capable of doing on the bike."

On the crash, Van der Poel said: "The speed was super high and I think he misjudged the turn a little bit. I was just quick enough to save it. That's part of racing."

Pogacar backed for Roubaix return

It marked a third straight win in Roubaix for Van der Poel, coming just a week after he had watched Pogacar ride clear to win the Tour of Flanders - a rare defeat on the cobbles for the Dutchman.

Rather than revel in revenge, Van der Poel paid tribute to his rival and backed him to return stronger for a second tilt at the iconic cobblestone trophy.

He continued: "We all know what an incredible champion Tadej is. What he did here in his first Roubaix is... it doesn't surprise me, but it's also not normal. He's just an exceptional talent."

"Probably it would be the two of us going to the velodrome if he doesn't make the mistake. So I guess we'll see him back next year to take his revenge."

Van der Poel joined Pogacar on eight Monument wins with victory in the Roubaix Velodrome.