Kristoff hoping for group sprint finish in Roubaix
Alexander Kristoff is one of the favorites on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, especially if the race will come down to a sprint on the velodrome. However, the Norwegian does not see himself as one of the big players ahead of the race.
“I know what is coming, I did this race every year as a pro,” said the Norwegian. “I only finished half of my participations here but I hope at least I will finish this year and hope for a good result. At least a top ten but we will see.”
Kristoff does not have a very successful history in Paris-Roubaix as he did not finish on three occasions and his best result is 9th place in 2013. In the recent editions, the winner arrived on the velodrome alone and won by making a decisive attack before the eventual sprint. However, in 2015 Degenkolb won from a group of six and Kristoff is certainly looking forward to that kind of a finale:
“Best scenario that a bigger group fights for the win then I am there and can sprint for the win but I think if you look at the last years, this is not going to happen,” he said. “For sure it’s going to split apart in the end and I have to be strong enough to follow or be in front of these attacks but it’s going to be hard and it’s going to be a hard race. Usually, the harder the race is, it doesn’t suit me better, it’s better for me if it’s easier.”
Alexander Kristoff also added that a sprint is not his only option for the race, but it is going to be tough to follow strong attacks by the likes of Sagan or Cancellara:
“If the right guy goes a little bit early, if I have the legs I will try and go with them but this is a dream scenario and I think a little bit difficult. It’s going to be hard, so usually I will sit in the group and survive for as long as possible and I hope I can survive all the way to the end.”
“I know when the best guys go like Cancellara and Sagan, like last weekend I had no chance when Sagan moved or Cancellara moved. It could be the same story on Sunday but I hope I can be better,” said Alexander Kristoff.
All in all, Kristoff is hoping for better legs than in Tour of Flanders and maybe a little bit of luck to go in his favor.