Brennan stunned by Van der Poel explosion on first Roubaix - 'Biggest wattbomb ever'

Speaking on the Inside the Beehive podcast, Brennan reflected on his first Monument appearance, which came shortly after he had already exceeded expectations in his rookie season. Earlier this week, Team Visma Lease a Bike rewarded that trajectory by extending his contract again, committing the 20-year old British talent to the team until the end of 2029.

As the pavé sectors loomed, he explained the simple logic behind his positioning: "There were plenty of wheels to choose from, but he picked one on purpose. “I was kind of hugging Pogacar’s wheel a little bit because I knew this guy’s a pretty safe wheel to follow.”

It was also a deliberate decision to stay away from the other superstar in the bunch. “Van der Poel was all over the place on curbs, etc, following everyone. I was like, I’m not getting involved in that. He’s way too skilled for me.”

The defining moment came after the Trouée d’Arenberg. “I remember coming out of Arenberg and seeing Van der Poel attack. I told myself he must be tired,” Brennan said. “Then he dropped the biggest watt bomb I’ve ever seen. Full gas down the road. That was where I cracked.”

Brennan eventually finished 44th, but the result barely captured what he took from the day. For him, it underlined why Roubaix cannot be explained, only experienced. “You can talk about this race all you want, but until you ride it, you don’t understand. It’s not just the legs. It’s the arms, the body, everything. You’re completely empty in a way that’s hard to describe.”

Despite cracking, Brennan views the day as a crucial step in his development. “That’s the reason why I went there: pick up the experience, go and enjoy yourself, no stress, help Wout if possible. If not, so what?”

The performance also reinforced the confidence the team has placed in him, and his new deal reflects a long term vision built on patience rather than pressure. 

“The team environment is such a good environment that you can learn from, develop from, and for me, this is the place where I feel like I can do that.”

Roubaix, he believes, will come back around. “I hope to kind of go again this year.” Then his experience may turn into strength. For now, the image of Van der Poel’s attack remains burned into his memory.