Paris-Roubaix 2024: Mathieu van der Poel says riders the ‘most dangerous part of cycling’

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) has said riders are the biggest problem for safety in the peloton, but he will continue to take risks in pursuit of victory.

Two-time Tour de France winner Jonas Vingegaard’s (Visma-Lease a Bike) defence of the yellow jersey is in doubt after he suffered a fractured collarbone, broken ribs and a collapsed lung in a crash that also saw Remco Evenepoel (Soudal Quick-Step) fracture his collarbone and Jay Vine (UAE Team Emirates) suffer two thoracic spine vertebral body fractures.

The issue of rider safety is prominent in event organisers’ thoughts at Paris-Roubaix this weekend, as changes have been made to the approach to the Arenberg Forest section with a chicane added to slow the riders on their entry onto the cobbles.

Van der Poel was not happy about that decision, albeit he praised officials for looking to implement change.

“I think it’s good that they’re trying something,” Van der Poel said. “But in my opinion, the chicane is not the right solution and also to do it in the week before the race is not the best option either.

“Obviously, it’s one of the most dangerous places of the season, so it’s good that they’re thinking about change, but for me change isn’t always the best thing to do.

“If you go into Arenberg in 20th position, it’s pretty good, you’re still in the race, but if you go into the chicane in 20th position, I think everyone who is after positions five to 10 will get stuck and then you easily lose 30 seconds.”

Van der Poel is the hot favourite to win Paris-Roubaix for the second year in a row, and he will take risks if it helps him achieve his goals.

“I think the most dangerous part of cycling is the riders themselves,” the Dutchman said. “We take the risks and that’s the main problem, ­everyone wants to be at the front in the same place and it’s not possible. We can change a lot of things to make it better, but it’s never going to be completely secure.

“The riders are the main issue, but I’m also joining the party. If you want to win, you have to be where everyone wants to be at the crucial moments.”