Yesterday’s scenes at Paris Roubaix seemed more like 1996 than 2002, as
Johan Museeuw rolled back the years to produce a sensational ride to claim
the 100th edition of the race. The ‘Lion of Flanders’ claimed his third Hell
of the North and with it, wrote himself into the history books. It was an
awesome display of strength and
cunning and culminated in a 40km solo ride that will live long in memory.

3 minutes and 4 seconds behind Museeuw German Steffen Wesemann claimed Telekom’s first podium place in this
years Classics with a sprint finish, ahead of surprise package Tom Boonen
(USPS).

Museeuw first showed his hand escaping with American George Hincapie after
the treacherous Arenberg forest. The pair quickly set about chasing the
early lead group and once this was established the former
World Champion rode away from the leaders just over 28 miles from the finish to take an emphatic solo win.

This was Museeuw’s tenth World Cup victory in an illustrious career that has
spanned three decades. This latest win is something of a personal victory for Museeuw, who has fought back twice from serious career-threatening injury in recent years. The Domo leader now leads the World Cup competition
and looks set to gain more points in the remaining spring classics.