Tadej Pogacar eyes first Paris-Roubaix victory
After Sunday's Tour of Flanders, the peloton heads to France for the start of Paris-Roubaix. Buoyed by his dominant win last weekend, Slovenian Tadej Pogacar will be looking for his first victory on the French cobbles.
Pogacar will be the man to beat on Sunday. The world champion won his second Tour of Flanders last weekend in impressive style, with other riders unable to match his level. "We just have to accept that he is the best cyclist in the world right now," said runner-up Mads Pedersen after the race.
But a Pogacar victory in Roubaix is not a sure thing. For one thing, it will be his first attempt at winning the cobblestone classic. Unlike his rivals, he has not been able to prepare properly for the race, having only decided to take part a few weeks ago.
"We just have to accept that he is the best cyclist in the world right now"
Weighing just 66kg, Pogacar is also a lightweight compared to the average Paris-Roubaix winner. The route does not have any significant climbs for him to shine on, and experts believe his weight will mean he will lack the power to break away from his competitors.
Not for the first time this season, his main rival will be Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutchman has much more experience on the cobbles, having won the last two editions of the race. However, he is not at his best due to a recent illness.
Preparation and luck
Wout Van Aert could also be a threat to Pogacar's ambitions. After a disappointing start to the season, the Belgian's form has been improving week by week, culminating in a fourth-place finish last weekend.
Van Aert and his team have also been preparing meticulously for Sunday's race. He is considering wearing a time trial helmet and has tested a special set of tyres that can change pressure depending on the surface.
The most important factor, however, could be luck. A flat tyre could be the difference between victory and defeat, and the predicted rain will make the French cobbled roads even more difficult to traverse.
© BELGA PHOTO DAVID PINTENS
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