Belgian Björn Leukemans starts Paris-Roubaix on Sunday in Compiègne, France, with ambitions.
"Without any bad luck, I'll end up back in the top five on Sunday. The form is super," he told Het Nieuwsblad. "I am stronger than last year. It's now or never."
The 33-year-old rode an impressive Tour of Flanders on Sunday in Belgium. After Fabian Cancellara was caught, he rode with the favourites over the Muur-Kapelmuur, attacked on the Bosberg and chased in the final kilometres to finish seventh.
"Normally, I would be even better Sunday than in Flanders."
Leukemans finished fourth in Roubaix in 2007 behind Stuart O'Grady. Last year, he was the last rider to hold on to Cancellara's express train. He punctured, though.
"I'm not saying I'd have had no trouble finishing with Cancellara without the puncture, but I was definitely on the podium."
He finsihed sixth, 3'20" behind Cancellara.
Vacansoleil will reconnoitre Roubaix's cobble sectors tomorrow, but without Leukemans. He's never done it, he says he knows the course fine as it is and he's happy it will likely be a dry one.
"Without rain, the risk of crashes is a lot smaller. Many riders cannot ride on the cobblestones and when they crash, drag someone into their trap."