Philipsen acknowledges reality: ‘Van der Poel and Pogacar will decide how Roubaix is raced’

The Belgian has finished runner up in the race twice in recent years, in 2023 and 2024, and knows he has the profile to go one better. His build up has not been ideal, though, as he has been dealing with a lingering cold in recent days, something that also affected him at Scheldeprijs, where he could only manage eighth place.

Speaking at the Alpecin-Premier Tech press conference ahead of the race, Philipsen admitted he is still not fully over it, though he expects to improve in time for Sunday. “It’s still there, but I’m taking the right medication. Hopefully I’ll feel better by the weekend and be back at full strength,” he said in quotes collected by Sporza.

Even without perfect preparation, Roubaix remains a race that clearly suits him. Philipsen has consistently performed on the cobbles and does not hide his affection for the event. “It’s a race I really enjoy. For some reason it suits me, and I’m always highly motivated to be here. It was already special to me when I was a kid.”

Back to back second places inevitably raise expectations, but Philipsen is careful not to overstate his chances. Roubaix, more than most races, resists predictions according to the Belgian.

“In Flanders, things usually fall into place and everyone ends up where they belong,” he said. “In Roubaix, luck and bad luck play a much bigger role. Anything can happen.”

Philipsen does not line up alone as a contender. With Mathieu van der Poel in the same team, Alpecin arrives with one of the strongest cards in the race, giving them the option to play a two leader game or use one as a wingman for the other depending on how the race unfolds.

“We can make each other stronger and bring some calm into the race,” Philipsen explained after the press conference to Het Laatste Nieuws. “It’s not a guarantee for success. First I have to see how far I can get myself, and hopefully I end up in a position where I can really make a difference.”

In 2025, he briefly found himself in that position. Philipsen eventually finished 11th, but was the rider who lasted longest alongside Van der Poel and Pogačar, at one stage allowing the Dutchman to play a tactical card by sitting up and waiting for his teammate to return.

Whether that will be possible again this year depends largely on how the race unfolds and, in particular, on the moves of the sport’s biggest names. Philipsen pointed to both Van der Poel and Pogačar as riders who will dictate the race.

“They decide where it really opens up and how selective it becomes. After that, it’s the legs that do the talking.”

Pogačar, in particular, arrives with growing attention around his chances on the cobbles, but Philipsen is not intimidated. “Of course he’s a big contender to win,” he said. “But we’re definitely not without a chance. We go to Roubaix with confidence and we want to play to our strengths. We’re not going to give anything away.”