Tadej Pogačar, the world champion and one of the top names in professional cycling, is already being hailed as one of the favourites for the upcoming Paris-Roubaix. With bookmakers placing him among the top three, alongside stars like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, Pogačar’s odds are already high—though he has never ridden this brutal race.
While odds in cycling can be unpredictable, they highlight the general sentiment: Pogačar is seen as a strong contender for the “Hell of the North.” His decision to race Paris-Roubaix, confirmed earlier this week, is hardly a surprise given the rumors that have surrounded his ambitions. Despite his audacious nature, it’s still a remarkable move, especially considering his lack of experience on the cobbles of Roubaix.
Only a month ago, footage of the 26-year-old training on cobblestones went viral, sparking speculation that he was preparing for this very challenge. At the time, many dismissed it as a joke. Just over two weeks ago, UAE Team Emirates’ manager Mauro Gianetti was less enthusiastic, expressing concerns about the potential risks. “Tadej wants to give Roubaix a try,” Gianetti told Cyclingnews, “but I keep telling him to wait before taking the risk, as he could really get hurt.”
But Pogačar, known for his relentless drive and ambition, seems undeterred. His ultimate goal is clear: to win every major race and secure his place in cycling history. Paris-Roubaix, with its notoriously treacherous cobblestone sections, remains one of the few gaps in his already impressive palmarès, alongside the Vuelta a España and Milan-San Remo. And now, the Slovenian is determined to add it to his list of victories.
The cobbled roads of Roubaix are famously unforgiving, and Pogačar’s ability on them remains untested. However, his bike handling skills have impressed in the past. In the 2022 Tour de France, he showed his strength on cobbled stages, staying near the front and powering through difficult sectors. His success at the Tour of Flanders—where he finished fourth in his first attempt and won in his second—demonstrates his adaptability to new challenges.
However, Paris-Roubaix is a different beast. As a climber-focused all-rounder, Pogačar doesn’t fit the traditional mold of a Roubaix winner. The likes of van der Poel and other contenders are generally heavier, more suited to the power demands of the cobbles. Pogačar, at least 10kg lighter than van der Poel, may struggle to generate the raw power needed to excel on such terrain.
Despite these doubts, Pogačar has already outperformed many of his rivals in various disciplines, including time trials. His ability to match riders like van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Filippo Ganna in time trials indicates that he possesses the necessary power. Whether this will translate to success on the cobbles remains to be seen.
The risks of Roubaix are well known. Crashes are common, and the first-time experience of tackling the pavé adds another layer of unpredictability. His team has expressed concerns, knowing that a serious crash could jeopardize his main goal for the season—the Tour de France. After all, Pogačar’s legacy could be solidified with a fourth Tour victory, allowing him to focus on other challenges like Paris-Roubaix in the future. Even cycling legend Sean Kelly described Pogačar’s Roubaix attempt as “a crazy idea” at this stage in his career.
But Pogačar doesn’t view it that way. He’s a rider who defies expectations, one who takes on challenges headfirst. Now, in good form, he has the opportunity to prove that he can conquer Roubaix—no matter how daunting the task seems.
Eventually, Pogačar will have to race Paris-Roubaix if he hopes to complete his trophy collection. While his experience in the race is currently nonexistent, he knows that attempting it now, rather than waiting, is crucial. In the world of cycling, timing is everything, and for Pogačar, the future starts now.
It may seem improbable, but Pogačar has already achieved the unimaginable in his career. With victories in prestigious races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, and the World Championships, he has proven his exceptional ability. While Paris-Roubaix presents a unique challenge, if any rider can break the mold, it’s Pogačar.
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