Tadej Pogacar takes on the challenge of Paris-Roubaix debut
- Tadej Pogacar, the reigning men's road world champion, will compete in the Paris-Roubaix in April 2025.
- He has adjusted his racing calendar to focus on this race and the Tour of Flanders, skipping other events.
- Pogacar's participation is seen as a significant move, aiming to add the Paris-Roubaix title to his collection.
In March 2025, Tadej Pogacar, a three-time Tour de France champion from Slovenia, confirmed his participation in the notorious Paris-Roubaix bicycle race, set to take place in northern France next month. The race, known for its grueling cobblestone sections, has long been one of the few major titles missing from Pogacar's impressive collection of accolades. Despite the concerns voiced by his team, UAE Team Emirates, regarding the potential risks to his upcoming Tour de France ambitions, Pogacar decided to scrap participation in other races, like E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem, to focus entirely on the Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. His decision came after weeks of speculation about his racing calendar, ultimately driven by his enthusiasm to tackle the famous cobbled sectors. The Paris-Roubaix is historically notorious for its challenging terrain, notably marked by the rough roads remaining from the devastation of World War One, giving the race its famed nickname, the 'Hell of the North.' Throughout a rich history dating back to 1896, the event has evolved to include exciting challenges for cyclists, with new sections of cobbles added to the course each year. This year's race will cover 259.2 kilometers, including 30 cobbled sections, bringing a fresh twist to the competition. For Pogacar, the 2025 event will mark his debut in this classic, an opportunity to showcase his skills in one of cycling’s most challenging races.