Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion and one of the most electrifying riders in the peloton, is reportedly set to make his debut at Paris-Roubaix in 2024. According to multiple sources, the UAE Team Emirates rider is “highly probable” to line up for the Hell of the North, adding another exciting chapter to his already impressive career.
If confirmed, Pogačar’s participation would mark a significant moment in professional cycling, as the Slovenian has already proven his ability to conquer various types of races. But can he handle the brutal cobbles, bone-rattling pavé sectors, and unpredictable chaos that define Paris-Roubaix? Let’s dive into what this could mean for Pogačar and the race itself.
Pogačar’s Growing Appetite for the Classics
Pogačar has made it clear in recent years that he is not just a Grand Tour rider. While he burst onto the scene with back-to-back Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021, he has since expanded his ambitions to include the Spring Classics, with remarkable success.
His Tour of Flanders win in 2023 was a masterclass in versatility, proving that he can dominate in races traditionally suited to more powerful, specialist riders. He dropped the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert on the steep cobbled climbs, winning solo in Oudenaarde.
Paris-Roubaix, however, is a different beast. Unlike the Bergs of Flanders, which favor explosive climbers, Roubaix is all about raw power, endurance, and luck. It’s a race where positioning, bike handling, and resilience to crashes and punctures play an enormous role. Still, if there’s anyone capable of defying expectations, it’s Pogačar.
Can Pogačar Conquer the ‘Hell of the North’?
Unlike the Ardennes or even Flanders, where punchy climbers can thrive, Paris-Roubaix is built for power riders. The course is almost completely flat but features some of the most notorious cobbled sectors in cycling, including the Trouée d’Arenberg, Mons-en-Pévèle, and the Carrefour de l’Arbre.
Historically, pure climbers have struggled in this race. Even the great Eddy Merckx, a five-time Tour de France winner and one of the most dominant cyclists in history, only managed one Paris-Roubaix victory (1973). Grand Tour riders rarely shine here, but Pogačar is not your typical Grand Tour rider.
His technical skills, fearlessness, and aggressive racing style could work in his favor. His ability to read a race and attack at the perfect moment has led to numerous wins in unexpected scenarios. Moreover, UAE Team Emirates has been steadily improving its Classics squad, with signings like Tim Wellens and Matteo Trentin, who could support him in the unpredictable chaos of Roubaix.
However, there are challenges:
- Experience on Roubaix’s cobbles – Unlike the Tour of Flanders, Roubaix’s pavé is rougher, longer, and more punishing. Pogačar has little to no experience racing on these sectors at full speed in a competitive setting.
- The need for luck – Even the strongest riders can lose Roubaix due to crashes, punctures, or mechanical failures. Pogačar is known for his aggressive racing style, but in Roubaix, caution can be just as important as courage.
- Pure power vs. finesse – Paris-Roubaix often favors heavier, more powerful riders like past winners Dylan van Baarle, Philippe Gilbert, John Degenkolb, and Peter Sagan. Pogačar is lighter and built more for climbing than for grinding across cobblestones at high speed.
Still, with proper preparation, strategic race execution, and a bit of luck, Pogačar could challenge expectations in his Roubaix debut.
Why Now? The 2024 Calendar and Olympic Considerations
One of the main reasons behind Pogačar’s likely participation in Paris-Roubaix is his 2024 race schedule and the upcoming Paris Olympics. The road race at the Olympics is expected to be a challenging, hilly course—perfect for a rider like him. But before that, his early-season plans suggest an even stronger focus on the Classics.
UAE Team Emirates has been gradually shaping Pogačar into an all-rounder capable of winning different types of races. His participation in Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège in previous seasons indicates that Roubaix is the next logical step.
Additionally, competing in Paris-Roubaix could serve as an experiment for future editions. If he finds success—or at least feels competitive—it wouldn’t be surprising to see him return in the years to come with a more tailored approach.
What Would a Pogačar Roubaix Win Mean for Cycling?
If Pogačar were to win Paris-Roubaix, it would be historic. The last Tour de France champion to win the race was Bernard Hinault in 1981, and he famously hated the experience, calling the cobbles “ridiculous.”
A Pogačar victory would further cement his status as one of the most versatile riders of all time. He would join a select group of champions capable of excelling in both Grand Tours and the toughest one-day races. It would also continue the trend of modern cycling’s superstars breaking traditional molds, as seen with Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert competing across multiple disciplines.
Moreover, his presence alone would elevate the excitement level of the race. With Van der Poel, Van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and now potentially Pogačar all on the start line, we could be in for one of the most thrilling Paris-Roubaix editions in years.
Final Thoughts: A Gamble Worth Taking?
While still unconfirmed, the reports of Pogačar’s “highly probable” Paris-Roubaix debut are enough to set the cycling world buzzing. He has defied expectations time and time again, so why not here?
Though the odds may not be in his favor—at least not on paper—Pogačar has a habit of proving doubters wrong. Whether he can truly challenge for victory or simply test the waters remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: if he’s on the start line, Paris-Roubaix 2024 just got a whole lot more interesting.
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