Guillaume Boivin concluded the 2021 season with a brilliant performance in Paris-Roubaix, taking ninth place in this legendary race. The Israel – Premier Tech cyclist was back on the French cobbles on Sunday as he finished 62 this timeand after almost six hours of effort.
Posted at 1:24 p.m.
Affected by a virus in recent weeks, Boivin suspected that his form would not be at its best heading into this physically difficult race. However, he did not want to miss the opportunity to participate in Paris-Roubaix and he took advantage of every moment.
“It was a big day! I started well, but I had three punctures during the race. It is kind of a shame. With the form slowly coming back, but still not at its peak, it would have taken a perfect race, without a hitch, to obtain an excellent result”, mentioned Boivin in an interview with Sportcom.
It’s a race that is really special and that I particularly like. With my flu two weeks ago, I had no choice but to lower my expectations. I wasn’t in bad shape, but I didn’t have the same legs as last year. I can’t wait to come back to Paris-Roubaix next year.
Guillaume Boivin
Boivin finished 15 minutes 28 seconds behind the winner. He was the second member of his team to cross the finish line behind the Belgian Jenthe Biermans (+6 minutes 58 seconds), who took the 36and rung.
“Our group has really been decimated by the disease in the last few weeks. There was no one in top form, Sep Vanmarcke wasn’t even able to start. Jenthe Biermans and I felt good enough to try it out, but it wasn’t easy,” added Boivin.
Dutchman Dylan Van Baarle (INEOS Grenadiers) crossed the finish line in first place as he pedaled alone upon arriving at the velodrome. Behind him, the Belgian Wout Van Aert (Jumbo-Visma) overtook the Swiss Stefan Küng (Groupaa – FDJ) in the sprint to obtain second place, 1 minute 47 seconds behind Van Baarle.
The weather complicates things in Turkey
After about thirty kilometers of racing in Istanbul, the last stage of the Tour of Turkey was canceled due to weather conditions. The general classification therefore remains the same as after the seventh stage.
Quebecer Nickolas Zukowsky (Human Powered Health) ends the week at 65and rank as the Tour was won by Australian Patrick Bevin (Israel – Premier Tech).