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

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?

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“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.”

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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.”