“Beer flew in my face, the euphoria was enormous”

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When the weather is nice, more than a million spectators line the road. If it’s bad, more will come. You hear this saying again and again for the Tour of Flanders. The wheel monument is a refuge for many Belgians. Filippo Colombo (25) also felt the enthusiasm of the motorcycle fans on Sunday. “It was so loud on the climbs that I could no longer hear our sporting director’s instructions over the radio. Just crazy. Beer also flew in my face, the euphoria was enormous. That was one of the most special days of my career.”

Colombo rode 113 kilometers in a breakaway at the front. That surprises many. Because: De Ticino is a full-time mountain biker and his team Q36.5 was only allowed to start thanks to a wildcard. “Ah, you’re the mountain biker,” some people told him before the race. “And now some know me better,” says Colombo with a smile. In reality, he never had a chance to win the race. “I was aware of that. But it was about showing the jersey to the team. We succeeded.”

“I Couldn’t Walk Anymore”

Colombo does not want to exaggerate his achievements. It is clear to the two-time mountain bike world champion in the relay that he still needs a lot to be among the world’s elite on the road. “After 250 of the 273 kilometers I had no energy left. I could eat and drink as much as I wanted – it was no use. And then Tadej Pogacar flew past me on the Koppenberg, just unbelievable. I was so tired at the finish that I couldn’t even walk anymore. But I will never forget this race.” Finally Colombo finished 50th, eight minutes behind. A total of 96 finished the race, 79 gave up.

Colombo will play Paris-Roubaix next Sunday. Is he afraid of the Hell of the North, as the pavé race is also called? “A little. But I’m happy too.” Then it’s back to mountain biking. Because the next big goal is the Summer Games in Paris in just over a year. “At least until the 2024 Olympics, mountain biking will remain my main discipline.”

Source : Blick