Martijn Maaskant, Paris-Roubaix The 24-year-old Dutch rider Martijn Maaskant (above and below) hung with the world’s best cyclists today to finish a fabulous 4th - and just off the podium - in his Paris-Roubaix debut.

Sticking to the front of the race as the main group gradually dwindled over the dusty pavé, Martijn made the decisive break that included Boonen, Cancellara, O’Grady and Devolder. That group split with about 20 km to go with Boonen, Martijn Maaskant, Paris-Roubaix Ballan and Cancellara leaving the rest behind. Coming into the velodrome, Martijn attacked his chase group (O’Grady, Devolder and Hoste) to ride his final track lap solo.

Martijn’s trainer, Sports Physiologist Adrie van Diemen was thrilled with the young athlete’s performance today.

“I’m so glad that Martijn managed to be in top shape for his most preferred top classic races. Flandres 12th and now Paris-Roubaix 4th,” said Adrie. “There are only a few professionals who have done this in their first year as a pro. Martijn was in top condition today and was able to make the best of each opportunity. Fantastic!”

Slipstream Roubaix Results
1. Tom Boonen 5:58′42″

4. Martijn Maaskant +3′39″
57. Tyler Farrar +16′48″
67. Chris Sutton +16′48
112. Christophe Laurent +19′21″
DNF Magnus Backstedt
DNF Julian Dean
DNF Mike Friedman
DNF Will Frischkorn