Ryan Mullen made his debut in Paris-Roubaix yesterday it's an experience he won't forget. The Cannondale neo-pro was originally told he had licence to go in the break but when management saw how well he rode the cobbles they changed the plan for him (Photo: Martine Verfaillie)
By Brian Canty
Ireland’s Ryan Mullen has expressed his disappointment at finishing over 18 minutes down on the winner of Paris-Roubaix, Matt Hayman of Orica-GreenEDGE.
Despite being in his first year in the paid ranks, making his debut in the race and being detailed to support his team’s top rider, the 21-year-old suggested he has no right to be happy with his finishing place of 103rd.
“There's a sense of achievement at having finished,” he said. “But I'm a bit disappointed, really.
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“I mean, I can't exactly be pleased with finishing 103rd, no matter what the race is,” he added.
Cannondale’s best-placed finisher was Dylan Van Baarle but he was 2:20 back in 16th.
Mullen is an ambitious ride and so while pleased with finishing Paris-Roubaix, he said he could have done more.
After originally being advised to try and get in the break, the plan for Mullen was to actually be the Dutch rider’s lieutenant.
“Plans changed for me in the team meeting last night,” revealed Mullen after yesterday's race.
“The management said they were happy and impressed with the way I was riding on the cobbles during the recon.
"So they gave me the job of supporting our main leader (Dylan) for as long as I could. Basically that just meant being his shadow for 250k.
“I did my best but it's hard to follow one wheel in a peloton of 200 guys who are all trying to overtake you at once,” he detailed.
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Mullen looking fixed on the task as he follows the wheel over the pavé during his debut in Paris-Roubaix (Photo: Luc Van Der Meiren)
The race turned out to be one of the most fascinating versions in recent memory – and Mullen even managed to soak it up as best he could.
“The atmosphere was crazy; like nothing I've ever experienced before.
“There were thousands of people out and half of them were completely pissed.
“There were sections where a few hundred people were all doing the Mexican wave when we passed; that was pretty cool. The noise was insane!”
Ryan Mullen, aged 21 years and in his first year at WorldTour, looking like he'd been in a race.
He was one of the lucky ones, mind, as he didn’t hit the deck or have mechanical trouble like so many more.
“I came close to being in a few big pile-ups but luck was on my side this time around after a few crashes already this year.
“Overall, I really enjoyed it but I saw a few horrific moments with crashes, which isn't something I enjoy.
“Mitch Docker (Orica-GreenEDGE) had a terrible fall, I really hope he is recovered soon.
“I'll definitely be back for more Roubaix action next year, though.
“And hopefully I'll be a lot more prepared than I was this year in terms of health as well as form.
“I don't have any aches or pains just yet but I imagine tomorrow is going to suck!”
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