Paris-Roubaix 2023: ‘Drama!’ – 90 seconds of chaos as John Degenkolb crashes and Wout van Aert punctures

An extraordinary 90 seconds at Paris-Roubaix saw eventual race winner Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) collide with John Degenkolb (DSM), who was sent sprawling to the cobblestones, and Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) suffer a puncture just moments after putting the hammer down.

It was a passage that defined the 2023 race and ensured there would be no head-to-head showdown between Van der Poel and Van Aert, who were both chasing their maiden victory in the cobbled Monument.

Here’s how the carnage on the brutal cobbles of Carrefour de l’Arbre unfolded…

16.4km remaining: Degenkolb crashes

Degenkolb, enjoying a stunning resurgence at a race he won in 2015, moved across to the dirt track running alongside the cobblestones. Van der Poel spotted an overtake on the same dirt lane, but ended up barging into Degenkolb after Alpecin team-mate Jasper Philipsen suddenly veered into his path. Degenkolb crashed. His dream was over.

16.3km remaining: Van Aert attacks

Van Aert pounced on the carnage by immediately going on the attack, knowing his biggest rival Van der Poel had slowed to avoid disaster. The Belgian quickly opened up a gap as Van der Poel gave chase.

“It’s all happened in the blink of an eye!” cried Rob Hatch on Eurosport commentary.

“Degenkolb’s dreams are over. He hits the hard cobbles. Wout van Aert to the front and he’s speeding away, it’s up to Mathieu van der Poel to try and chase him…”

15.4km remaining: Van Aert punctures

Van der Poel gobbled up the ground and soon made it a two-man show at the front. But something was wrong and Van Aert soon began to drop back…

“The body language of Wout van Aert, the head goes down,” spotted Robbie McEwen alongside Hatch.

Hatch chimed in: “Oh my word! It’s a flat back tyre for Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel is going to ride away.

“All of the drama – and all of the sort we did not want. We wanted them toe to toe, head to head. Degenkolb went down, Van Aert has punctured and Van der Poel is riding away with 15km to go.”

Van der Poel charged away down the open road as victory suddenly appeared a formality. Indeed it was, save for a scary moment with 7km remaining when he carried too much speed into a corner and needed all his cyclo-cross skills to bail him out of trouble.

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