World champion Tadej Pogacar will make his debut at Paris-Roubaix subsequent month, because the Slovenian will get set for an additional Classics battle with back-to-back winner Mathieu van der Poel.
Pogacar’s squad, UAE Workforce Emirates, confirmed adjustments to his schedule on Wednesday (26 March), with the 26-year-old having been as a result of experience in two races later this week.
“It was initially deliberate for Tadej Pogacar to take part in each the E3 Saxo Traditional and Gent-Wevelgem,” stated UAE Workforce Emirates in a press release.
“Nonetheless, after discussions with the group, it has been determined that he’ll alter his calendar to deal with the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix as an alternative, aiming for peak type in these iconic races.”
Earlier this 12 months, a clip of Pogacar driving the Arenberg part of the race had sparked rumours that he may make his debut, and he later instructed a French radio station that “there is a large probability that I am at the beginning” both this 12 months or subsequent.
Which means that the Tour of Flanders, which begins on 6 April, will probably be Pogacar’s subsequent race, with the Slovenian on the lookout for a second win so as to add to his 2023 triumph in Belgium.
The three-time Tour winner will probably be on the lookout for a formidable debut win in France as he goals to take a step nearer to successful all 5 Monuments, with Milan-San Remo also still on the list after a dramatic finish last weekend that noticed him come third behind Filippo Ganna and eventual winner Van der Poel.
And van der Poel, of Alpecin–Deceuninck, will possible be Pogacar’s important opponent in Paris-Roubaix on 13 April, with the Dutchman having received in 2023 and 2024.
The race, which has been dubbed ‘The Hell of the North’, takes place over 259.2km and is legendary for its cobbles and hard terrain.
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