In a thrilling announcement that has sent ripples through the cycling community, UAE Team Emirates has confirmed that Tadej Pogačar, the reigning world champion and one of the sport's brightest stars, will make his much-anticipated debut at the iconic Paris-Roubaix on April 13, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Pogačar's career, as he aims to conquer one of cycling's most storied races, known for its grueling cobblestone sectors and unpredictable conditions.
Pogačar, who is just 26 years old, has already made history as a three-time Tour de France winner. However, until now, he had never tackled the challenging Paris-Roubaix, often referred to as "l'Enfer du Nord" (the Hell of the North). The announcement came after the team revealed that Pogačar would withdraw from the upcoming E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem to focus on preparing for the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. "It was initially planned for Tadej Pogačar to participate in both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem. However, after discussions with the team, it has been decided that he will adjust his calendar to focus on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix instead, aiming for peak form in those iconic races," the team stated.
In Pogačar's absence from the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem, the UAE Team Emirates will be led by Belgian Classics star Tim Wellens, who expressed excitement about the upcoming races. “We’re really coming into the heart of the Belgian calendar now and you can feel the special atmosphere around. As a team, I think we have made a super start to the season and our group of riders here can make a difference in these races,” Wellens shared.
Pogačar's decision to skip the two Belgian races has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. The Paris-Roubaix course is notoriously challenging, covering 259.2 kilometers with approximately 55 kilometers of cobblestones spread across 30 sectors, including the infamous Trouée d'Arenberg and Carrefour de l'Arbre. The race's rugged terrain poses risks, and a crash could jeopardize not only Pogačar's performance at Paris-Roubaix but also his preparation for the Tour de France, his primary goal for the year.
Pascal Sergent, president of the Friends of Paris-Roubaix, expressed his enthusiasm for Pogačar's participation, stating, "It's excellent news for cycling and for l'Enfer du Nord. We have an extraordinary chance. It will probably be a legendary Sunday." Sergent believes Pogačar has a strong chance of winning, noting, "He can win; I have believed that for a long time. We know that when he has a goal in mind, he gives it his all."
As Pogačar prepares for this monumental race, he will also face stiff competition, particularly from his Dutch rival Mathieu van der Poel, who has already claimed victories in both the Tour de Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in previous years. Van der Poel is regarded as a specialist in the Paris-Roubaix, having won the event in 2023 and 2024, and is expected to be a formidable opponent for Pogačar.
Pogačar's journey to Paris-Roubaix has been marked by his determination to complete the set of cycling's five Monuments: Milan-San Remo, the Tour des Flandres, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour de Lombardie. With his victories in the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège already in the bag, Paris-Roubaix stands as the last major challenge in achieving this prestigious goal. "He is a classic cyclist who wants to participate in events without overthinking; he wants to inscribe his name in the legend of his sport, and he has already done so in large part," Sergent added.
In preparation for the race, Pogačar has been seen reconnoitering the cobbled sectors, demonstrating his commitment to mastering the course. His team manager, Mauro Gianetti, alongside other team members, had initially expressed concerns about the risks associated with racing on the treacherous cobblestones. However, it appears that Pogačar's desire to compete outweighs these worries. “If Pogačar decides he wants to race Paris-Roubaix, then nobody in the team can or will challenge his decision,” a source from the team revealed.
The anticipation surrounding Pogačar's debut at Paris-Roubaix is palpable, with cycling enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the showdown between him and van der Poel, which promises to be a spectacle. The race is expected to draw significant crowds along the route and attract high television viewership, making it a major event in the cycling calendar.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on Pogačar and the UAE Team Emirates as they gear up for the Tour of Flanders on April 6, just a week before Paris-Roubaix. The cycling world is abuzz with excitement, and fans are hopeful that Pogačar will rise to the occasion and add another monumental achievement to his already illustrious career.
With the stakes higher than ever, the upcoming Paris-Roubaix could mark a pivotal chapter in Pogačar's journey, as he seeks to solidify his legacy in the annals of cycling history. Will he conquer the cobblestones and claim victory in the Hell of the North? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Pogačar's debut at Paris-Roubaix is set to be a memorable one.
