Paris–Roubaix organizers can’t ignore Merckx after Pogacar's participation: "I didn't expect this"

The organizers of Paris–Roubaix have reacted with surprise to Tadej Pogacar will head to northern France in April. The Slovenian rider from UAE Team Emirates–XRG has scratched both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent–Wevelgem from his calendar to fully commit to making his debut on the infamous cobblestones. Christian Prudhomme is looking forward to his arrival. Pogacar’s debut has been a hot topic for weeks, ever since footage emerged in early February showing him scouting parts of Paris–Roubaix. Speculation among cycling fans exploded. Would he really ride it? UAE Team Emirates–XRG did little to tone down the buzz. One team director reportedly preferred he didn’t start, while another claimed the decision had already been made. Pogacar himself remained silent—until this week, when his team confirmed that it’s truly happening. No E3, no Gent–Wevelgem. Only the Tour of Flanders remains on his spring calendar before shifting full focus to northern France, where Pogacar has already impressed on cobblestones during the Tour de France. But can he do it against the world’s best cobble specialists? Can he challenge Mathieu van der Poel, the Alpecin–Deceuninck leader who won the last two editions?" target="_self">the news that Tadej Pogacar will head to northern France in April. The Slovenian rider from UAE Team Emirates–XRG has scratched both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent–Wevelgem from his calendar to fully commit to making his debut on the infamous cobblestones. Christian Prudhomme is looking forward to his arrival.

Pogacar’s debut has been a hot topic for weeks, ever since footage emerged in early February showing him scouting parts of Paris–Roubaix. Speculation among cycling fans exploded. Would he really ride it? UAE Team Emirates–XRG did little to tone down the buzz. One team director reportedly preferred he didn’t start, while another claimed the decision had already been made.

Pogacar has kept his mouth shut all this time—until this week, when his team confirmed that it’s truly happening. No E3, no Gent–Wevelgem. Only the Tour of Flanders remains on his spring calendar before shifting his full focus to northern France, where Pogacar has already impressed on cobblestones during the Tour de France. But can he do it against the world’s best cobble specialists? Can he challenge Mathieu van der Poel, the Alpecin–Deceuninck leader who won the last two editions?

Read more below the photo.

Van der Poel beat Pogacar in Milan–San Remo

Paris-Roubaix organizers look forward to Pogacar's arrival

“Fantastic,” exclaims ASO boss Christian Prudhomme in response to the news. The Frenchman, who is also responsible for organizing the Tour de France, points out that for the first time in 30 years, a Tour winner will start in the Hell of the North. “I didn’t expect it, although it was clear that the team’s communication—sharing footage of his recon ride—was intentional. Still, I didn’t expect him to actually take part. It’s madness.”

In 2022, Pogacar already flew over the cobbles of Roubaix in an attempt to gain time in the Tour de France. It worked, so Prudhomme believes Pogacar won’t just be there to participate. “He’ll be there to win. Mathieu van der Poel is of course the favorite, but we’re going to see an incredible battle—especially because Pogacar always dares. We’re eagerly looking forward to the race.”

Read more below the photo.

Prudhomme once again compares Pogacar to Merckx

A win in Paris–Roubaix would mean that Pogacar would only need to win Milan–San Remo to complete victories in all five Monuments. That would place him alongside Eddy Merckx, Rik van Looy, and Roger De Vlaeminck. “If Pogacar manages to do that, it would be exceptional,” says Prudhomme. “It’s nice to rediscover what I experienced as a child with Merckx, who competed all year round. The champions of July are now competing everywhere again.”

Read also

Pogacar makes surprise decision: He skips E3 and Gent–Wevelgem, but rides Paris-Roubaix against Van der Poel!

Lance Armstrong watched in amazement at Mathieu van der Poel: "Did you see his face at that moment?"

UAE and Pogacar are not only focusing on Vingegaard for the Tour: "Maybe it’s just Remco this year"

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get every week the latest news about CYCLING in your inbox!

Subscribe