Tadej Pogačar’s much-anticipated Paris-Roubaix debut may not happen after all. Following his crash at Strade Bianche, UAE Team Emirates is reportedly reconsidering their star rider’s participation in the brutal Hell of the North, fearing that another heavy fall could jeopardize his bid for a third Tour de France title.
Pogačar’s aggressive racing style and desire to conquer new challenges have fueled speculation that he would take on Paris-Roubaix for the first time in 2024. But with the cobbled Classic being one of the most dangerous races on the calendar, his team is now leaning towards caution over ambition.
The Strade Bianche Wake-Up Call
On March 2, Pogačar lined up for Strade Bianche, a race he famously dominated in 2022 with a long-range solo attack. This year, however, things didn’t go according to plan. He crashed hard on one of the dusty, unpaved roads of Tuscany, forcing him to abandon the race. While he avoided serious injury, the incident was enough to make UAE Team Emirates rethink his risk management strategy for the season.
Paris-Roubaix is arguably the most unpredictable and crash-prone race in professional cycling. The combination of high speeds, treacherous cobblestones, and relentless chaos makes it a race where even the strongest riders can be taken out by bad luck. For a team that is laser-focused on winning the Tour de France, sending their leader into such a hazardous environment seems like an unnecessary gamble.
A team source reportedly told L’Équipe:
“A bad crash could jeopardize the Tour de France. We need to be smart about which races Tadej does, and Roubaix is one of the riskiest.”
This statement makes it clear: UAE Team Emirates doesn’t want to take any chances with their most valuable asset.
Roubaix: A Dream Deferred?
Pogačar has made no secret of his love for the Spring Classics. His Tour of Flanders victory in 2023 proved that he can thrive on cobbles, and he has repeatedly hinted at wanting to test himself at Paris-Roubaix.
However, there is a significant difference between Flanders and Roubaix. In Flanders, the climbs help a rider like Pogačar make the difference with his explosive power. In Roubaix, it’s more about sheer endurance, raw strength, and—crucially—luck. Even the best-prepared riders can see their race ruined by crashes or mechanicals.
Pogačar has yet to officially comment on the latest reports, but if the decision is left to UAE Team Emirates, it seems increasingly likely that his Roubaix dream will have to wait.
Balancing Risk and Reward
The decision to potentially skip Paris-Roubaix is not just about avoiding injury—it’s about keeping Pogačar fresh for the Tour de France. The 25-year-old Slovenian is determined to reclaim his title after two consecutive defeats to Jonas Vingegaard (2022, 2023).
Unlike previous years, Pogačar is already adjusting his 2024 race schedule to ensure he peaks in July. He has opted for a lighter early-season program, skipping the Giro d’Italia in favor of a full Tour de France focus.
Adding Paris-Roubaix to his calendar would be an enormous physical challenge, as it requires a completely different type of preparation. Racing over 250 km of brutal cobbles just three months before the Tour could disrupt his training and recovery cycle.
UAE Team Emirates’ team manager, Mauro Gianetti, has previously stated that every decision they make revolves around Pogačar’s long-term career:
“Tadej is an exceptional rider, but we need to think about his future, his health, and what’s best for him in the long run.”
This cautious approach is understandable, especially considering that Pogačar cracked in the 2023 Tour de France after a demanding spring campaign. The team doesn’t want a repeat of last year, where fatigue cost him dearly against Vingegaard in the decisive mountain stages.
What’s Next for Pogačar?
With Paris-Roubaix now in doubt, Pogačar’s revised spring calendar is likely to focus on races that play to his strengths while minimizing unnecessary risks.
His next big targets are expected to be:
- Milan-San Remo (March 16) – A race where he’s come close before but has yet to win.
- Tour of Flanders (March 31) – Defending his title from 2023.
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège (April 21) – A race he has won twice (2021, 2022).
- Critérium du Dauphiné (June 2-9, expected) – A key preparation race for the Tour de France.
While skipping Paris-Roubaix may disappoint fans, it aligns with his ultimate goal—arriving at the Tour de France in peak condition and ready to battle Vingegaard for yellow.
Final Thoughts: The Right Call?
Pogačar’s aggressive, fearless style makes him one of the most exciting riders in modern cycling. Many fans were hoping to see him take on the chaos of Paris-Roubaix, but UAE Team Emirates seems to believe it’s a risk not worth taking.
If he does end up skipping Roubaix, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him revisit the idea in 2025 or beyond—perhaps after securing another Tour de France title.
For now, all signs point to Pogačar prioritizing Grand Tour success over one-day glory. And given how much he still has to accomplish in the Tour de France, it’s hard to argue with that decision.
Would you rather see him go all-in for Roubaix or play it safe for the Tour?
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