Van der Poel and Philipsen fight back from illness and injury to bid for third Alpecin-Deceuninck Paris-Roubaix win

Van der Poel and Philipsen fight back from illness and injury to bid for third Alpecin-Deceuninck Paris-Roubaix win

 

**Van der Poel and Philipsen Fight Back from Illness and Injury to Bid for Third Alpecin-Deceuninck Paris-Roubaix Win**

As the cycling world turns its attention toward the brutal cobbles of northern France, all eyes are once again on Mathieu van der Poel and Jasper Philipsen. The dynamic duo from Alpecin-Deceuninck have faced their share of adversity in the early part of the 2025 season, but they are now poised to mount a spirited defense of their dominance at Paris-Roubaix — the most iconic and punishing one-day race on the calendar.

Van der Poel, the reigning champion, has been sidelined by illness in recent weeks, forcing him to miss key preparation races. Philipsen, his trusted lieutenant and one of the fastest finishers in the peloton, has been working his way back from a nagging injury that threatened to derail his spring campaign. But with grit, determination, and a touch of characteristic flair, both riders have overcome their setbacks and are ready to chase a historic third consecutive Paris-Roubaix win for their team.

“It’s been a tough few weeks,” Van der Poel admitted. “I had to take a step back and listen to my body. But I’m feeling stronger now, and Roubaix is always a special motivation for me. It’s not just about form, it’s about heart, focus, and pure fight.”

That fighting spirit has become a trademark of Alpecin-Deceuninck’s approach to the cobbled classics. In 2023, Van der Poel rode to a dominant solo victory in the velodrome of Roubaix, cementing his reputation as one of the most versatile and powerful riders of his generation. A year later, with Philipsen playing a crucial support role and finishing just behind him, the team once again proved they were the ones to beat.

However, the road to a third win will be far from easy. The peloton is stacked with rivals hungry to break Alpecin-Deceuninck’s stranglehold on the Monument. The likes of Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and Stefan Küng are all expected to be in top form, and with the unpredictable nature of Roubaix’s treacherous sectors — from Arenberg Forest to Carrefour de l’Arbre — anything can happen.

Philipsen, who has shown flashes of brilliance since returning to competition, is confident that the duo’s chemistry and experience will be a key asset. “We’ve been through a lot together, and we know how to read each other in the race,” he said. “Even if we’re not at 100%, we have the mindset to suffer and fight for every inch on the road. That’s what Paris-Roubaix is all about.”

The team has fine-tuned its preparation in recent days, scouting key sections of the course and honing their equipment choices — including tire pressure, bike setup, and nutrition strategy. With conditions expected to be dry and fast, the race could suit aggressive tactics and early breakaways, something Van der Poel is known for exploiting to devastating effect.

Beyond the physical and tactical demands, Paris-Roubaix is also a test of resilience — and for Van der Poel and Philipsen, resilience has defined their journey to this point. What seemed like a disrupted spring has now become a story of recovery, unity, and a burning desire to make history.

A third straight victory would not only underline their status as one of the most formidable duos in modern classics racing, but also place Alpecin-Deceuninck among the legendary teams of Paris-Roubaix lore.

As the countdown to Sunday begins, the message from the Belgian team is clear: despite illness, despite injury, they are not just here to participate. They are here to win — again.