UAE gives Pogacar the final say on Roubaix (and it could have an impact on E3 and Gent-Wevelgem)

Tadej Pogacar, UAE Emirates-XRG and Paris-Roubaix. The story is an ongoing theme throughout the 2025 cycling season, including after Milan-Sanremo. The Slovenian superstar won't be able to complete his strive for five this year anyway, but he still hasn't decided about the Hell of the North. Whereas Matxin indicated that the team had already made its decision, team manager Mauro Gianetti is now keeping the options open...

Matxin, sports director at UAE Emirates-XRG, put a (provisional) end to the speculation last week on Relevo. "The decision for Paris-Roubaix has already been made. At least from a sports perspective, the team has yet to communicate it. Everything you are hearing and reading now is speculation. Our communications department will be responsible for the task when it comes out," the Spaniard said. The rumors surrounding Pogacar in Paris-Roubaix started swirling when he allowed himself to be filmed with Tim Wellens in Trouée d'Arenberg.

Gianetti was a guest on RMC Sport on Monday, which added to the confusion. "Paris-Roubaix will also be held next year and in two and three years. Tadej doesn't have to do it this year. He doesn't have to do everything every year," said the Swiss. "But he can certainly ride on cobblestones. Tadej can compete anywhere. We saw that in the cobblestone stage of the 2022 Tour, where he also participated."

Ultimately, the final call is not up to the team manager but to Pogacar. "If he wants to do it and is up for it, we won't stop him. I don't even want to stop him. How can you stop someone like him from riding Paris-Roubaix?" he wonders out loud. "On the other hand, I don't want to push him either because it's not our priority. Paris-Roubaix, everyone knows: it's not an easy race."

Pogacar has not yet made a final decision about Paris-Roubaix. Sports director Fabio Baldato said after the recon that the race is "not on the program for the time being," but the Slovenian has kept his mouth shut in the press.

Read more below the video!

Possible changes could influence Pogacar's spring program

For now, Pogacar is not officially registered for Paris-Roubaix, but if this changes, it could affect his planning in the coming weeks. If he does indeed go for the Hell of the North, he is expected to cancel the E3 Saxo Classic and/or Gent-Wevelgem. Both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem—where he has never competed before but is now on the provisional list—are not on his list of achievements.

If all goes well, Pogacar will also head to the Ardennes triptych after Roubaix. He will be there for the Amstel Gold Race, the Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. After that, the Slovenian will head to his preparation phase for the Tour de France, including the Critérium du Dauphiné.

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