Roberts wants to go back

CSC's Aussie rider Luke Roberts finished 59th in his first Paris-Roubaix, rolling across the finish line in a group with 17 riders at 10.36 behind winner Tom Boonen. Cyclingnews spoke to him after the race, and Luke appeared thoroughly impressed.

"It definitely was a big experience," said Roberts. "It's one thing to watch this race on television, seeing all those people on the side of the cobblestone roads, but to actually be riding through those crowds is awesome, a big thrill. I went OK, finished in a good group. I have to admit I probably wasn't desperate enough to be at the front when we hit the cobbles. It was just such a fight.

"I was behind Van Petegem and Davis when they crashed. To get around them, I had to hop off the bike, off the road via the field and get back on the bike again, that cost me some valuable time. But it being my first time, I guess I just wasn't hungry enough to take more risks. At the moment, I'm still in a bit of a shock. I'll go away from this and think about what I could have done different and what mistakes I made. Paris-Roubaix is a fantastic race, it was a good experience for me and I certainly want to ride it again and do better!"