In a race renowned for its brutality, Tadej Pogačar’s debut at the 2025 Paris-Roubaix was nothing short of a baptism by fire. The Slovenian world champion faced treacherous cobblestones, a high-speed crash, and a relentless duel with Mathieu van der Poel, ultimately finishing second in what he described as “the hardest race I’ve done in my life”.
A Grueling Introduction to the Hell of the North
Paris-Roubaix, often dubbed the “Hell of the North”, is infamous for its punishing terrain and unpredictable conditions. Pogačar, known for his climbing prowess and Grand Tour victories, ventured into this challenging classic with determination. Despite his inexperience on the cobbles, he quickly adapted, positioning himself among the frontrunners early in the race.
The race unfolded with high intensity, featuring early breakaways and multiple crashes. As the peloton tackled the iconic sectors like the Forest of Arenberg and Carrefour de l’Arbre, Pogačar showcased his resilience, matching the pace of seasoned classics specialists.
The Decisive Moment: A Costly Crash
With approximately 38 kilometers remaining, the race reached a critical juncture. Pogačar and Van der Poel had distanced themselves from the rest, setting the stage for a thrilling head-to-head battle. However, on the Pont-Thibault sector, Pogačar misjudged a corner, leading to a crash that would prove pivotal.
Reflecting on the incident, Pogačar admitted, “I saw the motorbikes; I think they were standing in the corner. I was watching them, and in my head they were going straight, but nobody was turning so I came to the corner going really, really fast.” He added, “There was a tailwind, I was attacking and we were going all out. So yeah, it was just too fast.”
The crash not only cost him valuable time but also disrupted his rhythm. Despite his efforts to chase back, including a bike change due to mechanical issues, the gap to Van der Poel widened. Pogačar eventually crossed the finish line over a minute behind the Dutchman.
Van der Poel’s Historic Victory
Mathieu van der Poel capitalised on Pogačar’s misfortune, maintaining a relentless pace to secure his third consecutive Paris-Roubaix title. This achievement places him alongside legends like Francesco Moser, who last accomplished the feat in the late 1970s.
Van der Poel’s victory was not without its challenges. He faced a puncture and a shocking incident where a spectator threw a water bottle at him. Despite these obstacles, his composure and strength ensured his place in the velodrome as the winner.
Pogačar’s Perspective and Future Aspirations
Despite the setback, Pogačar remained philosophical about his performance. “It was definitely one of the hardest races I’ve ever done in my career,” he stated. Acknowledging his error, he said, “I should know there’s a corner, so no excuses.”
His debut at Paris-Roubaix, while not victorious, demonstrated his versatility and tenacity. By finishing second, he became one of the few riders to podium in all five Monuments, a testament to his exceptional talent.
Looking ahead, Pogačar expressed interest in returning to Paris-Roubaix, indicating that this experience has only fuelled his desire to conquer the race in the future.
A Rivalry for the Ages
The Pogačar-Van der Poel rivalry continues to captivate cycling enthusiasts. Their contrasting styles—Pogačar’s climbing finesse versus Van der Poel’s explosive power—create compelling narratives in every race they contest. As they continue to push each other to new heights, the cycling world eagerly anticipates their next encounter.
Tadej Pogačar’s inaugural Paris-Roubaix was a testament to his courage and adaptability. While a crash dashed his hopes of victory, his performance solidified his status as one of the sport’s most versatile and formidable competitors. As he sets his sights on future editions of the race, fans can expect more thrilling battles on the cobbles from this exceptional athlete.
Van der Poel Clinches Third Paris-Roubaix Title Amidst Drama.
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