Mathieu van der Poel takes solo win at Paris-Roubaix after Wout van Aert puncture and John Degenkolb crash

Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck) soloed to a maiden victory at Paris-Roubaix after a puncture derailed the hopes of Wout van Aert (Jumbo-Visma). The win was not without a slither of controversy after the Dutchman sent John Degenkolb (DSM) tumbling to the cobbles with 16km remaining.

Van der Poel had spotted a overtake on the dirt lane, but ended up as the meat in a rider sandwich after team-mate Jasper Philipsen suddenly veered into his path and sent him into 2015 champion Degenkolb, who crashed. Ad Van Aert exploited the carnage to go on the attack, with Van der Poel joining him moments later, only for the Belgian to suffer the most unfortunate mechanical and leave his great rival charging away down the open road.

Paris — RoubaixSagan crashes out of final Paris-Roubaix as cobbles cause chaos3 HOURS AGO Van der Poel held off the chasers with ease as he arrived in the Roubaix Velodrome with a big lead, allowing him to sit up and soak in the atmosphere as he claimed a third different Monument. He won Milano-San Remo in March, while he also boasts two victories at the Tour of Flanders.

More to follow. — — - Stream the 2023 cycling season live and on-demand on discovery+ and eurosport.co.uk Paris — Roubaix'There we go' — Sagan caught up in nasty crash in final Paris-Roubaix outing3 HOURS AGO Paris — Roubaix'You have to love this race to win… and Alison loves it!' — Slappendel analysis21 HOURS AGO