Tadej Pogačar’s debut at next month’s Paris-Roubaix is becoming increasingly unlikely after a crash-filled victory at Strade Bianche. Speaking after the Slovenian rider’s third consecutive win at the Italian Classic, UAE Team Emirates team manager Mauro Gianetti emphasized the risks of the race, suggesting that a decision on whether Pogačar will race at Roubaix should be approached with caution.
Pogačar, who crashed during a high-speed descent with 50 kilometers remaining, managed to quickly remount his bike and retain his Strade Bianche title. Despite his resilience, Gianetti expressed concern about the potential dangers of racing Paris-Roubaix, especially given the recent crash.
“Tadej is eager to race Roubaix, but I continue to advise him to wait,” Gianetti told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “He needs to avoid taking unnecessary risks, as a crash like this could seriously harm his chances in the Tour de France—and possibly jeopardize his entire season. I hope he refrains from racing Roubaix this year, and I will remind him again: there is still time.”
In a separate interview with Bicisport at the finish line in Siena, Gianetti reiterated his caution. “There’s time to make this decision,” he said. “I don’t think it’s something that needs to be done this year, especially not at all costs. It’s a decision that must be made with a clear, cool head and careful reflection.”
Regarding the Strade Bianche course, which saw several riders suffer heavy falls, Gianetti noted the inherently dangerous nature of the race, comparing it to Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. “The gravel was particularly dry on the white roads today, and as a result, there were more crashes than usual,” he explained.
Pogačar’s next race is expected to be Milan-San Remo on March 22, assuming he recovers fully from the crash. The UAE team confirmed that the world champion did not suffer any major injuries. Following the race, Pogačar was thoroughly checked by the team doctor, and while he escaped the high-speed fall with only bruises, he did end up in a thorn bush, with multiple thorns still embedded in his side.
The team further clarified that no hospital treatment was needed, but Pogačar’s recovery from the crash will be carefully monitored ahead of his upcoming races.
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