Kristoff: If I can hold onto the strongest then I'm dangerous at Paris-Roubaix

There is no one rider that has been a standout during the 2019 Classics season, but Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) is a name that has been put forward by many of his rivals as one of the big threats going into Paris-Roubaix this weekend.

Kristoff took a commanding win at Gent-Wevelgem two weeks ago and held onto the favourites at the Tour of Flanders last weekend, before beating them in a sprint to take third place. Kristoff has never really found affinity with Paris-Roubaix over his nine previous appearances, but he believes that if he makes it to the velodrome in the front group then he will be a serious threat. With a headwind predicted in sections of the race, the conditions could be in his favour this time.

"I have never had a really good feeling in this race, but I know if I manage to follow then I should be good here because there aren't climbs, and on the flat, I am normally good. If I can manage to hold onto the wheels of the strongest guys, then for sure I am dangerous in the final," Kristoff told the media after finishing his recon of the Paris-Roubaix cobbles.

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"For me, it is better if it is a headwind. Today [Friday], it would have been a slight headwind in the final and it would be hard to ride away but it's possible. It's better for a group when it's a headwind and, for me, I don't need to come alone.

"Ideal scenario for me is that I manage to stay in the front group, it doesn't really matter to me how big it is, but I need to be there."

Though Kristoff is understandably confident with his sprint finish, he knows that making it into the front group is easier said than done. However, he has done more work on the Roubaix cobbles this season and is pleased with how things are going.

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