Wout van Aert Wins Paris-Roubaix in Sprint Over Pogačar

Belgian cyclist Wout van Aert claimed his first Paris-Roubaix title on Sunday, outsprinting world champion Tadej Pogačar in a tense two-man finish at the Roubaix velodrome after a grueling 258.3-kilometer race through northern France's punishing cobblestone sectors.

The 31-year-old Van Aert, riding for Visma-Lease a Bike, surged past Pogačar on the right side of the track in the final 200 meters, securing the victory in five hours, 15 minutes and 52 seconds. The pair had broken away together with about 54 kilometers remaining, holding off a chase group that included defending champion Mathieu van der Poel of the Netherlands. Jasper Stuyven, another Belgian, finished third, 13 seconds back, while van der Poel took fourth, 15 seconds behind. Christophe Laporte, Van Aert's teammate, placed fifth.

The race, known as the Hell of the North for its 30 cobblestone sections totaling nearly 55 kilometers, unfolded at a record pace under clear skies, with the peloton averaging 54 kilometers per hour in the opening hour. Mechanical issues plagued the favorites early. Pogačar punctured with 120 kilometers to go, forcing him onto a neutral service bike before rejoining the leaders after a...