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Tadej PogaÄar Meets the Paris-Roubaix Cobbles â And Absolutely Dominates
Tadej PogaÄar, the Slovenian sensation and two-time Tour de France champion, just dipped his toeâor rather, his tiresâinto the brutal world of Paris-Roubaix cobbles, and the result? Pure domination. On a solo 213km training ride, PogaÄar didnât just ride the iconic sectorsâhe smashed them, claiming the fastest times on three segments on Strava.
Yes, thatâs right. Not in a race. Not in peak form. Just out training.
Paris-Roubaix, nicknamed âThe Hell of the North,â is famous for its brutal pavĂ©âjagged cobblestone sectors that have broken the spirit (and bones) of many seasoned pros. But PogaÄar clearly isnât just any rider. While most treat these roads with caution and respect, he treated them like a personal playground.
His ride spanned over 213km and included legendary sectors like Mons-en-PĂ©vĂšle and Carrefour de lâArbreâsectors that have decided Roubaix victories for over a century. Despite rough conditions and riding solo, he averaged high speeds and rode with the fluidity of a classics specialist, not just a Grand Tour climber.
Whatâs more? His power data (for those lucky enough to get a glimpse) hinted at staggering numbers. Strava segments that once belonged to hardened cobble veterans are now stamped with Pogiâs name.
Is this just a recon mission? Or is it a warning shot ahead of a future Roubaix attempt?
Either way, one thingâs clear: if PogaÄar lines up at Paris-Roubaix in race mode, we might be about to witness something historic. The cobbles have a new king-in-waitingâand heâs not afraid to ride them like he owns them.