‘I Don’t Think It Would Be a Surprise to Anyone’: Mathieu van der Poel Praises Tadej Pogačar’s Potential to Conquer Paris-Roubaix and Cement His Place Among Cycling’s Greatest
Paris-Roubaix, one of the most grueling and prestigious one-day races in professional cycling, has long been known as “The Hell of the North.” With its punishing cobblestones, unpredictable weather, and relentless pace, it stands as a true test of endurance, skill, and sheer willpower. Winning this legendary race is considered the pinnacle of achievement in the classics, and only the toughest, most versatile riders can hope to triumph.
Mathieu van der Poel, one of the most dominant and dynamic riders in the peloton today, recently made waves with his bold prediction about Tadej Pogačar. Speaking candidly about the Slovenian superstar’s growing versatility, van der Poel declared, “I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone” if Pogačar were to add a Paris-Roubaix victory to his already glittering palmarès.
This statement, while seemingly straightforward, speaks volumes about the evolution of Pogačar as a cyclist, the respect he commands from his peers, and the changing landscape of professional cycling.
Tadej Pogačar: A Prodigy Redefining Limits
At just 25 years old, Tadej Pogačar has already established himself as one of the most exceptional talents the sport has ever seen. With two Tour de France victories (2020, 2021), a string of triumphs in prestigious classics like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders, and a host of other accolades, Pogačar has transcended the boundaries of what was traditionally expected from a Grand Tour specialist.
While many riders focus on either stage races or one-day classics, Pogačar has proven he can excel in both. His remarkable win at the 2023 Tour of Flanders was a testament to his ability to adapt to different terrains and conditions, outlasting even the most seasoned classics riders. This versatility has prompted experts and fans alike to wonder: can he conquer Paris-Roubaix, a race traditionally dominated by the hardiest of classics specialists?
Mathieu van der Poel’s Take on Pogačar’s Potential
Mathieu van der Poel, a generational talent in his own right and a fierce competitor, knows firsthand what it takes to win Paris-Roubaix. His dominant victory in the 2023 edition of the race solidified his status as one of the finest classics riders of his era. When van der Poel speaks about the potential of another rider, especially someone as formidable as Pogačar, the cycling world listens.
“I’ve raced against Tadej enough to know that he’s capable of anything,” van der Poel remarked. “He’s already proven he can win on the cobbles at Flanders, and while Paris-Roubaix is a different beast, I don’t think it would be a surprise to anyone if he pulls it off.”
Van der Poel’s endorsement of Pogačar is not just a reflection of mutual respect but also a recognition of how the sport is evolving. Riders like Pogačar are breaking down traditional classifications, proving that specialists are no longer the only ones who can dominate in the toughest races.
The Challenges of Paris-Roubaix
Despite Pogačar’s undeniable talent, Paris-Roubaix presents unique challenges that even the most accomplished riders struggle to overcome. Known for its brutal cobblestone sectors, including the infamous Carrefour de l’Arbre and Trouée d’Arenberg, the race requires not only physical strength but also exceptional bike handling skills and a touch of luck.
The unpredictable nature of Paris-Roubaix is part of what makes it so special. Punctures, crashes, and mechanical failures can derail even the strongest contenders. Furthermore, the sheer physical toll of riding over the cobblestones—often described as “battering your body into submission”—requires a level of resilience that few can muster.
While Pogačar has shown his prowess on cobbled terrain, particularly in the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix demands a different approach. The lack of significant climbs and the relentless flat sections make it a race of attrition, favoring riders who can maintain high power outputs over rough terrain for hours on end.
What Makes Pogačar a Contender for Paris-Roubaix?
- Unmatched Versatility:
Pogačar has already proven he can win on a wide variety of terrains. His victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Tour of Flanders, and Strade Bianche highlight his ability to adapt to challenging conditions. - Endurance and Power:
Few riders can match Pogačar’s ability to sustain high power outputs over long distances. His performances in Grand Tours have shown that he can thrive in races lasting five to six hours, a crucial skill for Paris-Roubaix. - Cobbled Experience:
While he has yet to race Paris-Roubaix, Pogačar’s dominant ride at the 2023 Tour of Flanders demonstrated his ability to navigate cobblestones effectively. If he can translate that skill to the unique demands of Paris-Roubaix, he will be a formidable contender. - Tactical Intelligence:
Pogačar’s racecraft is second to none. He has an uncanny ability to read races, anticipate moves, and position himself perfectly. In a chaotic race like Paris-Roubaix, where split-second decisions can make or break a rider’s chances, this skill is invaluable.
The Significance of a Paris-Roubaix Victory
Winning Paris-Roubaix would elevate Pogačar’s legacy to even greater heights. While his two Tour de France titles have already secured his place in the pantheon of cycling greats, adding a victory in “The Hell of the North” would further solidify his status as one of the most complete riders in history.
Only a handful of cyclists have managed to win both the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix, and each one is regarded as an all-time great. Riders like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Louison Bobet achieved this rare feat, cementing their status as legends of the sport. If Pogačar were to join this elite group, he would become a symbol of cycling’s new era—an era where versatility and innovation reign supreme.
Looking Ahead
As the cycling world eagerly anticipates the 2024 edition of Paris-Roubaix, speculation about Pogačar’s potential participation continues to grow. While he has yet to confirm whether he will take on the challenge, the possibility alone is enough to ignite excitement among fans.
For Mathieu van der Poel, the prospect of competing against Pogačar in one of cycling’s most iconic races is an exciting challenge. “It would be incredible to race against him at Roubaix,” van der Poel said. “He’s already achieved so much, and I think he could bring something special to the race.”
Whether or not Pogačar lines up at the start of Paris-Roubaix in the near future, one thing is certain: his impact on the sport is already profound. Riders like Pogačar and van der Poel are redefining what it means to be a professional cyclist, breaking down traditional barriers and inspiring a new generation of fans.
Conclusion: The Future of Cycling
Mathieu van der Poel’s comments about Tadej Pogačar highlight the mutual respect shared among the sport’s top athletes and underscore the evolution of modern cycling. As the boundaries between Grand Tour specialists and classics riders continue to blur, fans can look forward to even more thrilling battles on the world’s most challenging courses.
If Pogačar does take on Paris-Roubaix and succeeds, it will be a historic moment for the sport—a testament to his extraordinary talent and a reflection of cycling’s bright and unpredictable future. Until then, the mere possibility of his participation will keep fans dreaming of what could be one of the greatest moments in the history of Paris-Roubaix
