Fabian Cancellara and his Saxo Bank teammates fought hard (Image credit: Nicolas Götz)
Saxo Bank looked strong in this year's Paris-Roubaix, with riders in every move except the decisive one. Matti Breschel was the team's best finisher in 10th place.
Saxo Bank started out well, with Kasper Klostergård making the 11-man break of the day. Once this break was caught, Klostergård remained up near the front and a valuable player for the team.
Directeur Sportif Lars Michaelsen was happy that his riders followed the given tactics. "We started the race with the ambition of taking the front and creating the race, and we succeeded perfectly."
Things fell apart when Boonen attacked less than 50 kilometres from the finish and the winning move of six formed. "Unfortunately, we did not have the strength to respond when the decision was made and it was obviously a shame but that's cycling for you. Everyone who watched the race today can see that our riders really gave it all and were extremely motivated."
Michaelsen acknowledged the strength of the winner. "It was the best rider who won today. We did all we could in order to put a significant mark on the course and the whole team played a role in the final."
Fabian Cancellara, winner of the 2006 edition, also took some strong pulls, but ran out of steam before the final secteurs pavé. "Although it would have been nice with a Saxo Bank rider on the podium, we can not be dissatisfied with the performance our riders delivered today, because they gave all they had," Michaelsen said after the race.
There were 99 finishers, including all eight Team Saxo Bank riders, including debutants Matt Goss and Anders Lund.
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