Brennan Backs Van Aert, Snubs Van der Poel’s Wheel at Roubaix: “He’s Just on Another Level”…Read More…
The 121st edition of Paris–Roubaix delivered its usual blend of brutality, brilliance, and bold decision-making, but one of the most talked-about moments did not come from a race-winning attack or a spectacular crash on the cobbles. Instead, it came from a conscious choice made in the heat of battle by Brennan, a rider whose honesty and self-awareness resonated across the cycling world. In a race where following the right wheel can define a career, Brennan deliberately chose not to latch onto Mathieu van der Poel’s wheel, instead standing firmly behind Wout van Aert—a decision he later explained with striking humility: “Van der Poel is way too skilled for me.”
Paris–Roubaix, often called The Hell of the North, is a race that exposes everything. Strength, tactics, bike handling, courage, and ego are all laid bare over more than 250 kilometers, including brutal sectors of ancient cobblestones that punish even the strongest riders. It is also a race where instincts matter. When a move goes, riders have a split second to decide whether to follow, hesitate, or gamble on another option. For Brennan, that moment arrived when the race exploded open and two of the sport’s titans—Van der Poel and Van Aert—began to assert themselves.
As Van der Poel surged forward with his trademark combination of raw power and sublime bike handling, the peloton fractured behind him. Many riders instinctively tried to get onto the Dutchman’s wheel, knowing that when Van der Poel commits, history often follows. Brennan, however, made a different call. He stayed aligned with Van Aert, backing the Belgian star not only out of tactical sense but out of deep respect for the realities of his own abilities.
“I know my limits,” Brennan said after the race. “Following Mathieu through those sectors at that speed, with that level of bike control, would have been a mistake for me. He’s incredible—too skilled, too precise. One wrong line, one hesitation, and you’re on the ground or out of the race. I felt more confident riding my own pace and trusting Wout’s rhythm.”
That statement quickly went viral in cycling circles, praised for its rare mix of honesty and intelligence. In a sport often dominated by bravado and unrealistic expectations, Brennan’s words struck a chord. He wasn’t diminishing Van der Poel—quite the opposite. By acknowledging the Dutchman’s exceptional skill, especially on the cobbles, Brennan highlighted just how wide the gap can be between the very best and the rest, even at the highest professional level.
Van der Poel, a former world champion and multiple Monument winner, has built a reputation as one of the greatest cobbled riders of his generation. His ability to float over the stones, choose the perfect line, and accelerate when others are fighting just to stay upright makes him uniquely dangerous at Roubaix. Following his wheel is not simply a matter of fitness; it requires supreme confidence, flawless handling, and a willingness to take risks at terrifying speeds.
Van Aert, meanwhile, represents a different kind of mastery. Equally powerful and immensely skilled, the Belgian rides Roubaix with calculated aggression, often relying on sustained strength and tactical patience rather than explosive domination. For Brennan, aligning with Van Aert felt like a more manageable and realistic option—one that allowed him to stay competitive without crossing the fine line between bravery and recklessness.
“Wout rides in a way I can read,” Brennan explained. “He’s smooth, predictable in the best way, and that helps when you’re on the limit. With Mathieu, the accelerations, the lines he takes—it’s art, but it’s art at a level I’m not at yet.”
Throughout the race, Brennan’s decision proved wise. While the front of the race continued to splinter under relentless attacks, he remained upright, composed, and present deep into the finale. In Roubaix, survival is an achievement in itself, and Brennan’s measured approach allowed him to produce one of the strongest performances of his career on cycling’s most unforgiving stage.
Team staff later confirmed that there was no radio instruction behind the decision—it was entirely Brennan’s call. “That’s race intelligence,” one team director said. “Roubaix isn’t about ego. It’s about making the right choices at the right time. Brennan showed maturity beyond his years.”
The aftermath of the race further underlined the significance of Brennan’s words. Fans praised him for showing respect to both Van Aert and Van der Poel, while analysts highlighted the broader lesson for developing riders. Not every race is won by blindly following the strongest name on the start list. Sometimes, knowing when not to follow is what keeps your race alive.
Van der Poel himself responded with class when asked about Brennan’s comments. “I understand it completely,” he said. “Roubaix is dangerous, and everyone has to ride within their limits. Respect to him for being honest.”
Van Aert also acknowledged Brennan’s support, noting that trust between riders—even from different teams—can shape how races unfold. “When someone believes in your wheel, it says something,” the Belgian remarked. “Roubaix is about confidence as much as power.”
In the end, Paris–Roubaix once again reminded the cycling world why it is so revered. It is not just a test of legs, but of judgment. Brennan may not have stood atop the podium, but his decision earned him something equally valuable: respect. By standing up for Van Aert and openly acknowledging Van der Poel’s extraordinary skill, he offered a refreshing narrative in a sport often obsessed with invincibility.
As the dust settled on the cobbles and riders limped away bearing the scars of battle, Brennan’s words lingered. In a race defined by suffering and glory, his choice underscored a simple truth—sometimes the bravest move is knowing exactly who you are, and riding accordingly.
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