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Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel are set to clash at Paris-Roubaix, and the anticipation is palpable. While their immediate showdown at the Tour of Flanders will set the tone, cycling fans are already looking ahead to Pogačar’s much-anticipated debut at the Hell of the North. The Slovenian has conquered almost every terrain the sport has to offer, but Roubaix presents a unique challenge—one that will test his resilience, technical prowess, and ability to endure one of the most grueling one-day races in cycling.
Pogačar’s decision to target Paris-Roubaix speaks volumes about his ambitions. He has already proven he can dominate the cobbles, as seen in his masterful 2022 Tour of Flanders victory and his ability to handle the pavé sectors during the Tour de France. However, Roubaix is an entirely different beast. Unlike Flanders, where climbs and positioning play a crucial role, Paris-Roubaix is all about relentless pounding over brutal cobblestone sections, with no climbs to create natural selection. Endurance, power, and pure grit are the keys to success, and Pogačar has been putting in serious work to prepare for the test. Reports of his training efforts, including extensive cobble-specific sessions, suggest he is leaving nothing to chance.
Standing in his way, of course, is the reigning king of the cobbles, Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutchman delivered a masterclass at Roubaix in 2023, winning solo with an extraordinary display of strength. His combination of raw power, technical ability, and deep experience on the cobbles makes him the man to beat. Unlike Pogačar, Van der Poel thrives in the unpredictable chaos of Roubaix, knowing exactly when to attack and how to handle the punishing sectors such as the Arenberg Forest and Carrefour de l’Arbre.
The clash between these two cycling superstars will be fascinating. Will Pogačar’s superior endurance and tactical intelligence be enough to challenge Van der Poel’s brute strength and Roubaix expertise? Or will the Dutchman reaffirm his dominance on the cobbles? One thing is certain: fans are in for a thrilling battle. If Pogačar manages to conquer the Hell of the North in his debut, it would further cement his status as one of the most complete riders in cycling history. But if Van der Poel defends his title, he will continue to reign as the undisputed king of the Classics. Either way, this duel promises to be one for the ages.