Tadej Pogacar, the reigning world champion, is set to make his much-anticipated debut in the Paris-Roubaix race, commonly referred to as "l'Enfer du Nord" (the Hell of the North). This decision was officially announced by his team, UAE Team Emirates, on the morning of March 26, 2025. Fabio Baldato, the sporting director of the team, expressed enthusiasm about Pogacar's participation, stating that this is a race the Slovenian cyclist has "always wanted" to compete in.
Just the day before, on March 25, Pogacar had been removed from the provisional list of participants for the E3 Classic, which raised questions about his racing schedule. However, UAE Team Emirates clarified that the decision for him to participate in Paris-Roubaix had been made some time ago. Baldato explained, "We waited until we were 100% sure he would compete in Paris-Roubaix before making the announcement." This reflects the team's careful consideration regarding Pogacar's readiness for such a grueling race.
Despite the excitement surrounding his participation, Baldato revealed that they had initially tried to dissuade Pogacar from entering the race. "We attempted to calm him down, but he really wanted to start," Baldato said. This determination is not surprising, given Pogacar's competitive spirit and ambition. The team ultimately decided to support him in this endeavor, recognizing his enthusiasm for the challenge that lies ahead.
The decision to allow Pogacar to race in Paris-Roubaix has been welcomed by cycling fans worldwide, many of whom have been eagerly awaiting this moment. According to Baldato, discussions about Pogacar's desire to participate began after the Milan-San Remo race. "The news was in the air for some time," he noted. "We knew Tadej wanted to compete, and we wanted to support his ideas, but the final decision rested with the management, including Mauro Gianetti, the general manager."
Interestingly, Pogacar's interest in Paris-Roubaix was sparked during a reconnaissance of the Tour des Flandres in February 2025. While the team initially planned a reconnaissance for the Tour des Flandres, Pogacar expressed a desire to also inspect the Paris-Roubaix course. After testing himself on the cobblestones, he began to seriously consider participating in the race. Baldato recalled, "He said several times, 'I would like to do Paris-Roubaix, why not this year?' But at that point, we hadn’t made any plans yet."
As the race approaches, Baldato remains cautiously optimistic about Pogacar's chances. He acknowledges that while Pogacar possesses the qualities necessary to succeed in Paris-Roubaix, the race is notoriously unpredictable. "Many things can happen along the way: punctures, mechanical failures, crashes. You don't see that in other races," Baldato pointed out. However, he believes that if Pogacar is in top form, he has the potential to make a significant impact on the cobbles. "He wouldn't start if he didn't think he could win. If you're very strong, you can also make a difference on the cobbles," Baldato added.
As Pogacar prepares for this iconic race, the cycling community watches closely, eager to see how the young champion will fare against the demanding course that has challenged many of the sport's greatest riders. Paris-Roubaix is known for its rugged terrain and unpredictable weather, making it a true test of endurance and skill.
With his debut in Paris-Roubaix, Pogacar aims to add another prestigious title to his already impressive list of achievements. Fans and experts alike are excited to see how he navigates the treacherous cobblestones and whether he can claim victory in a race that has eluded many elite cyclists.
In summary, Tadej Pogacar's participation in Paris-Roubaix is a significant moment for both the cyclist and the sport. His determination to compete in this challenging race reflects his ambition and passion for cycling. As he gears up for this historic event, the cycling world eagerly anticipates the impact he will have on the race and the potential for a spectacular performance.
