Video: Pogacar shows off bike skills during Roubaix recon as contenders finalise preparations
Paris-Roubaix preparations continued on Thursday as leading contenders reconned key cobbled sectors, with Tadej Pogacar briefly showcasing his talents beyond racing during a short pause in his session.
PogaÄŤar was spotted on the course with his UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammates, who were officially announced earlier in the day, using the session to familiarise himself with crucial sections of the route. The Slovenian world champion briefly interrupted his ride for a roadside coffee stop, taking time to refuel before continuing his reconnaissance.
In doing so, PogaÄŤar also showed that his talents extend beyond the bike, casually demonstrating a knack for latte art during the break.
PogaÄŤar, who is targeting a first victory in Paris-Roubaix, would join an elite group of riders to have won all five Monuments if successful, including Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx and Roger De Vlaeminck.
Elsewhere, Wout van Aert and his Visma | Lease a Bike teammates were also on the course, focusing on the opening sectors and their approaches.
“We are reconning the first sectors and the run in towards them,” said sports director Grischa Niermann to Sporza. “That section is always very hectic in the race. Every year the opening part of the course changes slightly, so it is important to review those sectors and refresh the rest of the route.”
The 2026 edition of Paris-Roubaix will take place on Sunday, with both the men’s and women’s races held on the same day, unlike last year.
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