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Three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond has boldly claimed that Tadej Pogačar has the potential not only to win Paris-Roubaix in 2025 but also to become the greatest cyclist in history. Speaking after Pogačar’s historic win at the 2024 Tour of Flanders and another dominant spring campaign, LeMond praised the Slovenian’s versatility and fearless racing style.
“People talk about specialists – climbers, time trialists, cobbled classics riders – but Tadej breaks all the molds,” LeMond said. “He’s proven he can win anywhere. If he commits to Paris-Roubaix, I honestly believe he can take it.”
Paris-Roubaix, known as “The Hell of the North,” is widely considered one of the toughest and most unpredictable one-day races in cycling. The race features over 50 kilometers of rough cobblestones and often brutal weather conditions. Winning it requires power, positioning, technical skill, and a touch of luck – qualities not usually associated with pure Grand Tour contenders like Pogačar.
However, Pogačar has continued to defy expectations since bursting onto the WorldTour scene. At just 25 years old, he already boasts two Tour de France victories, wins at Il Lombardia, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the Tour of Flanders, and a growing palmarès that spans terrain and race styles.
“He’s not afraid of anything,” LeMond continued. “When he attacked on the Koppenberg in Flanders and rode everyone off his wheel, it reminded me of how Merckx used to dominate. That was a Grand Tour winner beating the best classics specialists on their turf. Paris-Roubaix is one of the few missing pieces. If he targets it, he’ll be right up there.”
Pogačar has not yet confirmed whether he will ride Paris-Roubaix in 2025, but his team, UAE Team Emirates, has hinted that the race is under consideration as part of a more diverse campaign. LeMond believes such a move could cement his legacy.
“If he wins Paris-Roubaix, along with what he’s already done – it’s hard to argue against him being the greatest ever,” LeMond concluded. “He’s got the talent, the mentality, and the heart. The sport is witnessing something truly special.”
Cycling fans will be watching closely in 2025. Should Pogačar line up in Compiègne next April, the cobblestone drama might just gain a new legend.