Boonen: "More love for the bike than ever"

April 8 ^th 2012 - 17:39

Wasn't it a little bit crazy going from that far?

It was a little bit crazy. It is not something I often do. But it was a perfect day to take some risks. I had my big victory already, the one I had been working for so hard for six months. So today I was not planning on this. But when arrived in the front with Niki, I thought I already had Flanders so why not win Roubaix in a very special way? I fought hard with the wind and when I was 30 seconds up, I thought it's hard for everybody. When I had one minute I was pretty sure I would make it all the way to Roubaix.

What were your thoughts in the finale?

I was not really thinking about winning the race or beating a record. I was  fighting step by step, cobblestone by cobblestone,  kilometre by kilometre. When  you start a move like this and you start to think it's 50 kilometers, it's nearly impossible. You make it harder than it is. I was trying to fight section by section I was not trying to go for the minute straight away. I did not force myself. I took it second by second and it twas the best way to save my strength. It turned out OK. It was the best option for me.

Would you have won in such way when you were younger?  

Today was one of the best days in my career. I don't usually need this. Usually I use my sprint. It's always much safer if you can stay in front with two or three riders and you don't have to try to go in a breakaway alone. Being a little bit older I don't panic. The first 15 kms I just tried to take as much  time as possible to Carrefour de l'Arbre and never panic, just push it as hard as I can.

What is so special about the Roubaix velodrome?

This is the only finish line when you can do two laps. The only last kilometer on which you can really feel the crowd. A race like this needs a special finish. It's almost more Paris-Roubaix than the cobbles. I really enjoyed my last two laps here.

Is it better to win like this or in a sprint?

I like to win in a sprint also. But winning a fourth Paris Roubaix is already something unique, especially in this era. And winning this way was even more special.

Is it the crowning of a dream season equalling this record ?

I was not really thinking about this record. I was working hard to be at my top level for these weeks. If I look back on these two of three weeks, I realize I'm the only guy to have won Flanders and Roubaix the same year twice. I'm probably the best guy on the cobbles, the best guy that ever rode on these roads. And my career isn't over yet. I've still got a couple of good seasons left. I do it for the love of the bike. I just love it. I never have a problem with motivation. I rode for 11 seasons and you have ups and downs. But I do it for these races. Roubaix, Flanders. That's the thing I like. I have more love for the bike than ever. It's getting easier getting older.