U23
Historic victory: Davide Donati wins Paris-Roubaix Espoirs
The 21-year-old Italian of the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies sprinted to victory after 159 kilometres in the “Hell of the North”. In the end, a photo finish made the difference.
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When it comes to one-day races in cycling, there is no classic quite like Paris-Roubaix. With its 130-year history, the infamous cobbled sectors and the iconic finale in the velodrome, the “Hell of the North” is one of the most prestigious races of all - even in the U23 category. This makes Davide Donati's victory in this year's edition of Paris-Roubaix Espoirs all the more significant.
Winning this race - and then in a photo finish - means an incredible amount to me.
After 159 kilometres from Le Cateau-Cambrésis to Roubaix and a total of 23 pavé sectors, the Italian rider from the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies won by a wafer-thin margin in a dramatic sprint. In a photo finish, he relegated Seth Dunwoody (Bahrain Victorious Development Team) and Guus van den Eijnden (Alpecin-Deceuninck Development Team) to second and third place. For Donati, who has already celebrated three victories at professional level, it is one of the greatest successes of his career.
“I can't really believe it yet,” said a visibly moved Donati at the finish line. “The final was completely crazy. In the last few metres in the velodrome, I simply gave everything I had left. Winning this race - and then in a photo finish - means an incredible amount to me. It's a very emotional moment for me.”
Donati after crossing the finish line in the Roubaix velodrome.
© Twila Federica Muzzi
The team was also overjoyed. In addition to Donati's victory, Dutchman Gijs Schoonvelde also underlined the cohesive team performance of the Rookies with tenth place, while German Paul Fietzke - who finished 16th - was also involved in the final for a long time. It was the sixth victory this year for the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe development team.
To see how our young athletes go their own way and celebrate such successes - that's just incredibly nice. All the Rookies rode a great race today.
Tim Meeusen, Director of Development, struggled for words after the race: “Unbelievable - I'm completely overwhelmed and it's hard for me to find the right words. To see our young athletes going their own way and celebrating such success - it's just amazing. All the Rookies rode a great race today and showed that our concept works. Congratulations to Davide - that's a really big win.”
Davide Donati in the finishing sprint with Seth Dunwoody.
© Twila Federica Muzzi
The next big race for the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies is now the U23 version of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, which takes place next Saturday.
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