Van Aert is still riding Roubaix high

Wout van Aert, the Belgian multi-discipline star, has publicly stated he is still experiencing a significant emotional high three weeks after his recent victory at Paris-Roubaix. Speaking to *Escape Collective*, Van Aert revealed the immediate aftermath was so exhilarating he "didn't sleep for a minute the night after Paris-Roubaix," indicating the profound personal impact of the Monument win. This follows his dominant performance where he soloed to victory, securing one of cycling's most coveted cobbled trophies.

This emotional resonance is particularly noteworthy given Van Aert's career trajectory and previous near-misses at Monuments. While already a decorated rider, Roubaix had remained elusive, often overshadowed by Mathieu van der Poel or mechanical misfortune. His emphatic win this year, following a challenging spring campaign, not only solidifies his status as a true Classics legend but also provides a significant psychological boost, potentially setting a formidable tone for his upcoming Grand Tour ambitions and future one-day races.

Indeed, for a rider of Van Aert's calibre, a Roubaix victory isn't merely another notch on the palmarès; it's a deep, visceral validation. The sleep deprivation, one suspects, was a small price to pay for such an enduring high.