Tadej Pogacar, one of cycling’s brightest stars, has already cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most gifted and relentless competitors. With two Tour de France victories and numerous other titles under his belt, Pogacar’s success seems almost inevitable at times. Yet, despite his dominance, there’s one glaring absence in his palmarès—a race that continues to elude him. In a recent interview, the 25-year-old Slovenian superstar opened up about his single-minded obsession with a particular race in 2025, one that has become the focal point of his cycling ambitions.
So, which race is Pogacar referring to? It’s none other than Paris-Roubaix, one of the most challenging and prestigious one-day classics in the cycling calendar. Often referred to as the “Hell of the North,” the race is notorious for its brutal cobbled sections, unpredictable weather, and the sheer toughness required to survive its punishing 250 kilometers. Despite his meteoric rise in the cycling world, Pogacar has yet to capture this coveted title, and in his own words, it’s a “big cross” that he carries with him.
Why Paris-Roubaix?
Pogacar’s obsession with Paris-Roubaix is intriguing, especially given his mastery of stage races like the Tour de France, which demands both climbing prowess and time-trialing skill. In contrast, Paris-Roubaix is a brutal one-day test of strength, endurance, and mental fortitude, with very few stages resembling the kind of racing Pogacar is used to dominating. So, what draws Pogacar to this race, and why has it become such a fixation for him?
For one, Paris-Roubaix is regarded by many as the ultimate test of a cyclist’s versatility. The cobblestone sections, some of which date back to the 19th century, require a combination of power, bike-handling skills, and an unshakable resolve. To win, a rider must survive the chaos of crashes, punctures, and relentless bone-shaking surfaces, all while battling it out with some of the toughest riders in the world.
For Pogacar, a rider who has already proven his ability in the Grand Tours, conquering Paris-Roubaix would elevate his status to a level few can achieve. It would make him not just a Tour de France champion but also a well-rounded legend capable of dominating across different formats—an athlete who could claim both the endurance feats of a stage racer and the grit of a classics specialist.
Moreover, the absence of a Paris-Roubaix title in his career represents something even more personal to Pogacar. As one of the most humble and self-reflective athletes in the sport, Pogacar’s acknowledgment of the race’s challenge is part of his ongoing evolution as a cyclist. In his own words, “It’s a big cross that I carry with me,” which hints at the weight of expectation that comes with being the best in everything, but still facing the bitter taste of failure in one area.
The Challenges Pogacar Faces in Paris-Roubaix
Although Pogacar has made significant strides in the one-day classics scene, Paris-Roubaix presents a unique challenge that has caused even the most seasoned riders to falter. First and foremost, the cobblestone sections are an unpredictable minefield. No amount of preparation can guarantee smooth riding, and crashes are almost an inevitability.
In 2023, Pogacar made a notable attempt at Paris-Roubaix, finishing in 5th place—a respectable result, but not the victory he so desperately craves. Despite this, his performance showed that he possesses the resilience and tenacity required to succeed in such a brutal environment. But it also highlighted one of his biggest weaknesses in the classics: the lack of experience compared to other riders who specialize in the brutal conditions of the cobbles.
Another significant challenge Pogacar faces is the sheer unpredictability of the race. Unlike the controlled conditions of stage races like the Tour de France, where team strategies and pacing play a crucial role, Paris-Roubaix is often a chaotic free-for-all. One puncture, one crash, or one mechanical issue can derail an entire race. This uncertainty adds an element of luck to the equation, something that can be frustrating for a meticulous planner like Pogacar.
Finally, the competition in Paris-Roubaix is fierce. Riders like Mathieu van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and the late great Tom Boonen have made their mark on the race, and their expertise in handling the cobblestones gives them an edge. For Pogacar to overcome this elite group of specialists, he will need not only to refine his cobbled riding skills but also to develop a mental toughness that allows him to thrive in the chaos of a one-day classic.
The Road to 2025: Can Pogacar Finally Conquer Paris-Roubaix?
As Pogacar looks ahead to 2025, his obsession with Paris-Roubaix will likely fuel much of his preparation in the coming years. Given his track record of relentless improvement, there’s little doubt that Pogacar will continue to refine his skills on the cobbles. However, whether he can finally conquer this monument remains an open question.
What is clear, though, is that Pogacar’s pursuit of Paris-Roubaix will be one of the defining storylines of the coming seasons. If he can overcome the challenges of the race and defeat the best in the world on one of cycling’s hardest days, he will solidify his place in the history books as one of the sport’s greatest all-rounders.
For Pogacar, winning Paris-Roubaix isn’t just about adding another title to his collection—it’s about proving that he can conquer everything that cycling has to offer. The race remains a big cross he carries, but perhaps, just maybe, 2025 will be the year he can finally lay that burden to rest.