Race director on Pogacar’s Roubaix bid: 'Almost an obsession'
With the 123rd edition of Paris-Roubaix approaching, much of the pre-race narrative centres on Tadej Pogacar (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and his renewed attempt to conquer cycling’s most brutal Monument, the final one missing from his list. Race director Thierry Gouvenou has also weighed in on the discussion, sharing his view on the Slovenian’s chances.
After finishing second on debut last year behind Mathieu van der Poel, the Slovenian returns with clear intent. According to Gouvenou, that ambition borders on something stronger.
“He comes back with a real desire, almost an obsession, to win this race,” Gouvenou said in quotes collected by CyclismActu. “Last year there were doubts about whether he could compete here, but he proved he could fight for victory.”
Despite his versatility, Paris-Roubaix remains an unusual test for Pogačar. The flat terrain and relentless cobbles place a premium on raw power and positioning, making it a very different challenge compared to the climbs where he typically excels and can make the difference.
Even so, Gouvenou believes his mentality keeps him firmly in contention. “We’ve already seen how strong he is mentally. When a rider like that targets a race like Roubaix, you know he will be difficult to beat.”
Still, Mathieu van der Poel remains the man to beat for Gouvenou. The Dutchman has won the last three editions and has the chance to become the joint record holder of most wins together with Roger de Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen.
“It will take a super Van der Poel to match him [Pogačar],” Gouvenou said, before adding that the balance between the two could come down to the conditions.
“In certain scenarios, he [Van der Poel] still has a small advantage,” Gouvenou noted. “Especially if the weather turns and the race becomes more about handling and experience on the cobbles.”
That balance could shift depending on the conditions. A dry, fast race may play into Pogačar's hands according to Gouvenou, while wind or rain could tilt the scales back towards the Dutch Alpecin Premier-Tech rider and other specialists like Wout van Aert.
“For now, you could say that Mathieu van der Poel still has a slight edge over Pogacar on this terrain,” Gouvenou added.
Gouvenou also welcomed Pogacar’s presence at Paris-Roubaix, highlighting its broader significance. “It shows that riders can aim for both Grand Tours and Classics. That is great for cycling, both for the media and for the fans. Having him at the start, without any guarantee of victory, creates real suspense.”
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