Liquigas-Bianchi professional and 2004 Paris Roubaix champion Magnus Bäckstedt's fourth place in Sunday's Paris Roubaix confirmed the arrival of the Swede as serious classic's contender for years to come.
Bäckstedt said, "I am satisfied with my ride, I would have liked to have made the podium, but I defended the title in the only way I know how, by attacking!" The tall Swede lost sight of his three breakaway colleagues on the decisive Carrefour de l'Arbre cobblestone section, as Juan-Antonio Flecha and Tom Boonen forced the pace.
Nevertheless, Bäckstedt is happy with the outcome of Paris-Roubaix and is looking forward to the next races he will be participating in. "My team did a great job protecting me for the first 100 km or so, then I felt it was up to me," he said. "I was going well and the wrist injury that I picked up in the crash at Gent Wevelgem didn't hamper me as much as I thought it would and I felt comfortable on the cobbles. I just lacked that little bit at the end, but I let the world and myself know that I am here to stay. I was up there in Flanders and Wevelgem. I am lighter and stronger than ever and that should open up a whole new dimension of races I feel I could be a contender in."
Of course, Bäckstedt will return to Roubaix to attempt another victory. "I want another stone on my mantelpiece before my career is over," he said.
Bäckstedt will now enjoy a well earned rest before he begins the second phase of his season, of which the Tour de France prologue is a major target.
