Tour de France Champion Pogacar Sets Sights on Paris-Roubaix's Cobbled Challenge

PARIS, March 27 — Three-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar is set to make his debut at the legendary Paris-Roubaix, known as the ‘Hell of the North’ for its punishing cobbled mining roads, his UAE Team Emirates announced yesterday.

Among the five prestigious Monument one-day races, Paris-Roubaix is the least suited to the Slovenian’s build. A victory would further cement his status among cycling’s all-time greats.

Pogacar will be the first reigning Tour de France champion to take on the grueling race since Greg Lemond in 1991, who finished 55th. Cycling legends Bernard Hinault and Eddy Merckx also attempted to win the race a year after claiming Tour de France victories in 1982 and 1975, respectively. Though neither succeeded, Merckx came close with a runner-up finish behind Roger De Vlaeminck. However, both Merckx (1970) and Hinault (1981) achieved the remarkable feat of winning Paris-Roubaix and the Tour de France in the same year.

A win on April 13 would put Pogacar in contention to join that elite group.

The Slovenian already boasts seven Monument victories, including the 2023 Tour of Flanders, as well as four consecutive Il Lombardia titles and two Liege-Bastogne-Liege wins.

Adjusting the Race Calendar

Originally slated to compete in both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem, Pogacar and his team opted instead to focus on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, aiming for peak performance in those iconic races.

The decision marks a victory for Pogacar, who has long expressed his preference for one-day races over multi-stage events. His team had initially resisted his participation in Paris-Roubaix due to the high risk of injury.

A ‘Huge Moment’ for Cycling

Paris-Roubaix is widely considered the most dangerous of the Monument races, with its six million cobblestones, many of which are irregular and treacherous, leading to frequent crashes and serious injuries.

UAE Team Emirates manager Mauro Gianetti voiced concerns over the risk for their star rider, who is reportedly earning €8 million ($8.6 million) annually.

“A bad fall could jeopardize his participation in the Tour de France and possibly the rest of the season,” Gianetti said.

“He has plenty of time in his career to take on Paris-Roubaix.”

However, Pogacar’s decision to race, following his third-place finish at Milan-San Remo, was met with excitement from Paris-Roubaix race director Thierry Gouvenou.

“This is a huge moment for cycling,” Gouvenou said.

“It has been a long time since we’ve seen a Tour de France winner who is a genuine contender for Paris-Roubaix. He will be facing a challenge worthy of his talent.”

Despite the excitement, Gouvenou acknowledged the tough competition, with Milan-San Remo winner Mathieu van der Poel, Belgian Wout Van Aert, and Italy’s Filippo Ganna all posing formidable threats.

“If Van der Poel is at his best, it will be very difficult for Pogacar,” Gouvenou admitted.

“He’s racing on a course that doesn’t favor him. If he manages to win, it will be against the odds—but that’s exactly what we hope for: to see champions rise to the challenge. This race could elevate him even further.”

Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme also praised Pogacar’s decision, calling it a bold and daring move.

“For a rider aiming to win the Tour de France, taking this risk is a gutsy decision,” Prudhomme said.

“It’s going to be an incredible battle. I can’t wait to see it.” — AFP