French champion Arnaud Demare changed bikes shortly before the first cobbled sector in today's Paris-Roubaix. His ambitions are real in the race this year.

"What I'm hoping for is to finish in a small group at the front," he told Letour.fr. "On Paris-Roubaix, a top 5 or a podium would suit me, it would be part of my progression. I think it"s feasible. When I see that last year John Degenkolb finished second and that I came close to stay in their group, I tell myself it's possible. I know that this season I can handle the distance better. So in the same race configuration, I might still be with them. In any case I have good legs and I hope to avoid mishaps."