When you are one of the world’s top cycling athletes, every race, every training session, and every decision is scrutinized—not only by the public and fans but also by the teams, managers, and coaches who work tirelessly to ensure your success. For Tadej Pogačar, a dominant force in the cycling world, his path toward greatness has been anything but easy. Despite his immense talent, a recent crash during the Strade Bianche has raised serious concerns about his readiness for upcoming races, including one of the most grueling events on the calendar: Paris-Roubaix.

Pogačar’s crash at Strade Bianche—a race famous for its treacherous gravel roads—has prompted significant tension within the UAE Team Emirates camp, with team management urging him to skip Paris-Roubaix to recover for the Tour de France fully. But while team manager Mauro Gianetti continues expressing his concerns, Pogačar remains eager to take on the cobbled classics.

The Strade Bianche Crash: A Turning Point

The Strade Bianche, held annually in Italy’s Tuscany region, is known for its unforgiving mixture of asphalt and gravel roads, which test both a rider’s skill and his physical endurance. The 2025 edition of the race was no exception. With dusty roads, unpredictable weather conditions, and a field of the world’s best cyclists, the race was as intense as it gets.

Tadej Pogačar, who has consistently delivered impressive performances across various stages and races, was a strong contender for victory. However, disaster struck when he lost control on one of the race’s challenging gravel sectors. In a split second, Pogačar was sent flying, crashing hard onto the ground. The impact was severe enough to cause immediate concern, not only for Pogačar’s well-being but also for the team’s strategy moving forward.

After the crash, the UAE Team Emirates doctors and medical staff immediately rushed to his side. Pogačar was able to finish the race, albeit far from his usual blistering pace. However, the damage to his body was clear—his shoulder and ribs took the brunt of the impact, and there were fears of a potential fracture. Despite this, Pogačar’s resilient nature and fighting spirit shone through, as he insisted on pushing through the pain and continuing the race.

Mauro Gianetti’s Worries

While Pogačar’s tenacity is a testament to his exceptional character as a rider, it’s also the reason why his manager, Mauro Gianetti, is so concerned. Gianetti, who has been managing Pogačar’s career since the Slovenian’s breakout success, understands the delicate balance between pushing a rider to achieve greatness and ensuring they don’t burn out or suffer long-term damage.

In an interview with Cycling Weekly, Gianetti expressed his concerns following the crash. “Tadej wants to give Paris-Roubaix a go, but I keep telling him that he needs to wait,” Gianetti said. “The crash at Strade Bianche was a warning sign. If he races at Paris-Roubaix and something worse happens, it could jeopardize his entire season. We need him at 100% for the Tour de France, and right now, that’s not guaranteed if he pushes himself too hard too soon.”

The potential danger of racing Paris-Roubaix, one of cycling’s most brutal one-day races, lies in its treacherous cobbled sections. With many riders suffering mechanical failures and crashes due to the rough terrain, it is considered a “do-or-die” event for many cyclists. For Pogačar, who is known for his aggressive riding style and pursuit of victory, participating in Paris-Roubaix could be seen as a high-risk move, particularly with a lingering injury from Strade Bianche.

In addition to the risk of further injury, the UAE Team Emirates manager is also concerned about Pogačar’s mental and physical recovery. The 24-year-old’s focus has always been on the Grand Tours, especially the Tour de France. As one of the race’s brightest stars, Pogačar has already won two yellow jerseys, and his hunger for more is evident. However, his ambition may be clouded by the short-term allure of the cobbled classics.

“We want him to be in peak form for the Tour de France,” Gianetti continued. “Paris-Roubaix is a fantastic race, but it can take so much out of you. It could endanger his condition going into the Tour, and that’s something we can’t risk.”

Pogačar’s Determination

Despite the warnings from his team, Pogačar remains steadfast in his desire to compete in Paris-Roubaix. The Slovenian rider, who has become one of the most charismatic figures in cycling, has always prided himself on taking on new challenges. He has demonstrated his versatility by excelling in races across a range of terrains, from the mountains to the time trials, and is eager to prove himself in the world of cobbled classics.

Speaking about the crash and his desire to race, Pogačar told reporters after the Strade Bianche: “It’s just a part of cycling. Crashes happen. You can’t think about that when you’re on the bike. Paris-Roubaix is a race I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m not going to let this crash stop me. I’ll recover, I’ll train, and I’ll give it my best shot.”

While Pogačar’s determination is admirable, his team remains unconvinced. In cycling, especially at the highest level, a rider’s health and fitness are paramount. The Tour de France is the ultimate goal for most Grand Tour specialists, and as one of the most promising riders in recent memory, Pogačar’s ambitions for the yellow jersey could be compromised if his body is not properly healed.

The Classic Conundrum

The decision to race Paris-Roubaix, which takes place just a few weeks before the Tour de France, represents a classic conundrum for riders like Pogačar. On one hand, the thrill of competing in one of the most prestigious races in cycling is undeniably tempting. On the other hand, the risk of injury or overexertion can be catastrophic, not just for the rider but for the entire team.

Cycling fans know that Paris-Roubaix is a race that can define careers. It has a unique place in the sport’s history, with riders like Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, and Eddy Merckx achieving legendary status after conquering the cobbles. Pogačar, with his talent and competitive spirit, could undoubtedly add his name to that list—but at what cost?

UAE Team Emirates has built a strategy around Pogačar’s potential to dominate the Grand Tours, and the risk of an early-season injury potentially derailing his Tour de France ambitions is a reality they cannot ignore. There is also the looming shadow of the pressure that comes with being one of the favorites to win the Tour. In such a high-stakes environment, even a small injury can create an insurmountable disadvantage.

A Crossroads

Tadej Pogačar is at a crossroads in his career. He has the talent, determination, and drive to be one of the best cyclists of his generation. However, the recent crash at Strade Bianche and the looming pressure of the Paris-Roubaix classic present a delicate dilemma. Should he risk his health to compete in a race that could provide an important career milestone, or should he listen to his team and focus entirely on recovery for the biggest race of all—the Tour de France?

The decision will not be an easy one, and whatever path Pogačar chooses, it will be one that could shape the trajectory of his career. His supporters will be watching closely, hoping he makes the right choice, one that balances his passion for cycling with the pragmatic realities of a long and grueling season.