April 13, 2025 – Roubaix, France
All eyes will be on Tadej Pogačar this Sunday as the Slovenian superstar lines up for his highly anticipated debut at Paris-Roubaix — one of cycling’s most grueling and unpredictable one-day races. Known for his dominance in stage races like the Tour de France, Pogačar now faces the “Hell of the North” with a mix of nerves and quiet confidence.
Speaking to the press ahead of the race, Pogačar was candid about his mindset going into the cobbled classic.
“There’s some nerves going around, but bad luck can happen at any bad moment,” he admitted. “We shouldn’t think too much about it. We have a strong guy who can win — we should just go for it.”
The 257-kilometer race, infamous for its brutal cobblestones and chaotic conditions, is unlike anything Pogačar has faced before. Despite being one of the most complete riders of his generation, the unique demands of Paris-Roubaix — from equipment failure to bone-jarring terrain — present a whole new kind of challenge.
“Every race is dangerous,” he said. “Here there’s more chance to break your bike and crash. High-speed crashes are possible in every race and they’re the scariest, so here, we should just go for it.”
The UAE Team Emirates leader emphasized that he isn’t letting fear or expectation weigh him down. Surrounded by a strong, experienced squad, Pogačar is ready to embrace the chaos that comes with this historic Monument.
“It’s going to be a fantastic day for me,” he added. “There’s a lot going through my mind, but I’m not stressed because I’m here with a fantastic team.”
Known for his calm under pressure and instinctive racing style, Pogačar’s entry into Paris-Roubaix has brought an extra buzz to this year’s edition. Whether he can conquer the cobbles on his first attempt remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the cycling world will be watching closely.
