Marthe Truyen boosts confidence with sixth place in Scheldeprijs: “Paris-Roubaix will be a different story” (Brasschaat)

“I think it is about the first time that I have thrown myself into a bunch sprint at this level,” says the 24-year-old rider from Bevel. “The great work that the team did in the preparation for that sprint inspired me to do so. However, it was quite nervous. There were a lot of falls and you had to stay focused to avoid damage. Of course, that had to be absolutely avoided with Paris-Roubaix approaching.”

Last year, Truyen finished third in Northern France and that could possibly have been even better. “I had little to no experience with a sprint on a cycling track. That certainly played a role. Of course, a sprint after a race of the caliber of next Saturday cannot be compared at all to a sprint at the end of the Scheldeprijs. I am very aware of that. And yet today’s race has given me confidence.”

Because of drugs

Warm weather is actually predicted on Saturday with more than twenty degrees. “Hopefully, this will mainly ensure dry roads, just like last year. Although every type of weather has its charm, I think. Whether it is dry or wet, being able to position yourself well remains the most important thing. And in perfect condition of course.”

Truyen started doing that immediately, because she rode her bike home after the Scheldeprijs. “That completes my preparation.”