In the world of professional cycling, few names command as much awe and anticipation as Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian phenom has taken the sport by storm with his fearless tactics, dazzling power, and boyish charm. But as the 2025 edition of Paris-Roubaix approaches, Pogačar is set to embark on one of the boldest moves of his career—making his debut in a race that has humbled even the greatest champions.
Often dubbed the Hell of the North, Paris-Roubaix stands as the ultimate test of grit, resilience, and technical mastery. For a rider whose strength has traditionally shone brightest in the high mountains of the Tour de France, the cobbled chaos of Northern France presents an entirely new battlefield.
Will the three-time Tour winner conquer this unfamiliar terrain? Or will the unforgiving pavé expose his limits? Let’s take a deeper look at the man, the myth, and the monumental challenge that lies ahead.
Rider Profile: The Making of a Modern Legend
Born on September 21, 1998, in Komenda, Slovenia, Tadej Pogačar quickly rose through the ranks of junior cycling with a blend of tactical maturity and raw talent far beyond his years. By the age of 20, he had already turned professional with UAE Team Emirates, and just a year later, he stunned the cycling world by winning the 2019 Vuelta a España stage and placing high in the overall standings.
But it was in 2020—a year marked by global uncertainty—that Pogačar etched his name into cycling history. With a sensational final time trial at La Planche des Belles Filles, he snatched victory from compatriot Primož Roglič and claimed his first Tour de France title. He would go on to defend his yellow jersey in 2021 and win it again in 2023, becoming only the second rider since Miguel Induráin to win three Tours before turning 27.
What makes Pogačar truly unique isn’t just his palmarès but his all-around capabilities. He climbs with panache, descends with daredevil control, time-trials with mechanical precision, and sprints with surprising punch. He is fearless, unpredictable, and devastatingly consistent.
His tactical intelligence is as notable as his physical prowess. He reads races like a chess master, often attacking when others would hesitate and turning decisive moments into masterpieces of timing and aggression.
Paris-Roubaix: The Brutal Beauty of the North
First raced in 1896, Paris-Roubaix is one of cycling’s five Monuments and among the most revered—and feared—races in the sport. Spanning roughly 260 kilometers from Compiègne to Roubaix, the race is notorious for its bone-jarring cobbled sectors, narrow farm roads, unpredictable weather, and historic intensity.
Riders battle not only their competitors but also the elements—rain turns the cobbles into ice rinks, while dry conditions kick up choking dust. Crashes, mechanicals, and sheer exhaustion are as common as tactical moves.
Among the most iconic sectors are the Trouée d’Arenberg, the Carrefour de l’Arbre, and Mons-en-Pévèle—names that strike both fear and awe into riders’ hearts. Winning Paris-Roubaix isn’t about finesse; it’s about survival. It’s a race that doesn’t just test your legs—it tests your will.
Legendary champions like Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, and Johan Museeuw have made Paris-Roubaix the crowning jewel of their careers. For climbers and GC specialists, however, it’s often a step too far outside their comfort zone.
Expectations for the Debut: A New Chapter Begins
With Pogačar announcing his intention to race Paris-Roubaix in 2025, the cycling world is holding its collective breath. Few Tour de France winners have even attempted the race, and even fewer have succeeded. But for Pogačar, it’s not just about winning—it’s about pushing boundaries.
What does this mean for his legacy?
A strong showing in Roubaix would place Pogačar among a rare breed of cyclists capable of excelling across all terrains—mountains, time trials, one-day Classics, and now, cobbled warfare. It would further elevate his status from Grand Tour champion to all-around cycling legend.
But it’s not without risks. Roubaix is technically demanding: positioning is critical, crashes are frequent, and tire punctures are inevitable. Unlike the long alpine climbs he dominates, the terrain here favors heavier, more robust riders—those built for power and punishment rather than agility and altitude.
Adapting to the pavé also requires changes in equipment and riding style. Pogačar has been seen training on Roubaix-style bikes with wider tires and modified setups. Still, the real test will be how his body, accustomed to smooth tarmac and explosive climbs, handles six hours of hammering over cobblestones.
Even if he doesn’t win, simply finishing near the front would be a statement. A podium? That would be seismic.
Race Predictions: Rivals, Conditions, and the Road Ahead
Pogačar may be the headline story, but he won’t be the only star on the start line. Paris-Roubaix always attracts the best in the world, and 2025 promises another stacked field.
Key Rivals to Watch:
- Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin–Deceuninck): The reigning Roubaix champion and master of the cobbles. With his explosive power and cyclocross background, van der Poel is always dangerous in one-day races.
- Wout van Aert (Visma–Lease a Bike): A perennial favorite who has come heartbreakingly close to winning Roubaix in the past. If the stars align, he could finally lift that elusive cobble.
- Mads Pedersen (Lidl–Trek): The former World Champion has the raw strength and tactical smarts to survive the carnage and deliver a sprint finish.
- Jasper Stuyven, Stefan Küng, and Matej Mohorič are also dark horses with the toughness to thrive in this race’s unique chaos.
Current Form and Forecast:
Pogačar has shown strong early-season form, winning the Strade Bianche and performing well in the Tour of Flanders—a crucial tune-up for Roubaix. His ability to handle rough terrain is not in doubt, but Paris-Roubaix will still be his ultimate test.
The weather forecast shows a dry but windy race, which could favor aggressive tactics and early splits. A headwind might discourage long-range attacks, but with riders like Pogačar, anything is possible.
Prediction: If Pogačar stays upright and avoids mechanical issues, a top-5 finish is within reach. But given the experience of his rivals and the unpredictable nature of the race, van der Poel and van Aert remain the safest bets for the win.
A Defining Moment in the Making
Tadej Pogačar’s decision to race Paris-Roubaix isn’t just about chasing another trophy—it’s about redefining the boundaries of what a modern cyclist can achieve. In an era where specialization has often dictated career paths, Pogačar is choosing the road less traveled—one filled with cobbles, chaos, and history.
His presence alone elevates the race, drawing new fans and igniting fresh rivalries. And whether he emerges victorious or simply survives the hellish gauntlet, his debut at Paris-Roubaix will be remembered as a defining moment in one of the most extraordinary careers cycling has ever seen.
The Alps built him. The cobbles may immortalize him.
