Interview | Without Pogacar, Bax had to uphold UAE honor: ‘I was on my last legs a few times’

‘Thirteenth,’ Bax sighed afterwards while speaking to In de Leiderstrui. ‘So there I was, in a group with Laporte sprinting for the tenth place, but I couldn't get out of my saddle anymore and couldn't stand up. My legs were completely jammed,’ he said with a big smile.

After the early break with Bax was caught up by the big names following Bos van Wallers, Bax suddenly had to compete with Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert and co. 'Was I on my last legs? Yes, regularly. A few times I did think I would have to let them go, because I was completely wrecked.'

On several occasions we noticed on television that the 27 year old Bax repeatedly had to leave a gap behind his predecessor, but then still crossed the cobbled section with him. ‘It's my first time riding here, so I didn't like following his wheel. At that point you're going to struggle anyway, but with all those big guys you're not going to end up in front all the time anyway.’

All in all, Bax is able to look back with great pride on his first time participating in the 'Hell of the North'. ‘In the beginning of the race I just wanted to ride along with them. I also know that the risk of falling is a lot higher if you have to fight for your spot on those cobbled sections. So it's better to be in front. Four guys isn't a lot either, but yes, now you see what that can get you: a thirteenth place in Roubaix, so it was worth it.'