‘Paris-Roubaix is flowing through my veins' – John Degenkolb revels in mixed day on the cobbles

Paris-Roubaix 2024: John Degenkolb at the finish
Paris-Roubaix 2024: John Degenkolb at the finish (Image credit: Getty Images)

At Paris-Roubaix, more than almost any other race, a puncture even at 100km from the finish can be a race ruiner.

Few know that more than race veteran, former winner, and Hell of the North lover John Degenkolb. The 35-year-old German has taken on Paris-Roubaix 12 times during his lengthy career, triumphing back in 2015, and on Sunday continued his streak of always making it to the velodrome.

Dani Ostanek
Senior News Writer

Dani Ostanek is Senior News Writer at Cyclingnews, joining in 2017 as a freelance contributor and later being hired full-time. Before joining the team, they had written for numerous major publications in the cycling world, including CyclingWeekly and Rouleur.

Dani has reported from the world's top races, including the Tour de France, Road World Championships, and the spring Classics. They have interviewed many of the sport's biggest stars, including Mathieu van der Poel, Demi Vollering, and Remco Evenepoel. Their favourite races are the Giro d'Italia, Strade Bianche and Paris-Roubaix.

Season highlights from the 2024 season include reporting from Paris-Roubaix –  'Unless I'm in an ambulance, I'm finishing this race' – Cyrus Monk, the last man home at Paris-Roubaix – and the Tour de France – 'Disbelief', gratitude, and family – Mark Cavendish celebrates a record-breaking Tour de France sprint win.