Philippe Gilbert, the prominent former professional cyclist from Belgium, has expressed his belief that if Tadej Pogacar, riding for UAE Emirates-XRG, were to clinch victory in his Paris-Roubaix debut, it would constitute his “greatest performance ever.” This assertion stems from the extraordinary form that Pogacar has displayed leading up to this significant race. Just recently, he showcased his prowess at the Tour of Flanders, where he executed a remarkable solo attack with 19 kilometers remaining, securing victory by an impressive margin of over one minute ahead of his closest competitor, Mads Pedersen from Lidl-Trek. In addition to his recent triumph, Pogacar also dominated the UAE Tour and successfully defended his title at Strade Bianche, showing resilience even after crashing on a treacherous descent.
Gilbert notes that the Paris-Roubaix race, often referred to as the “Hell of the North” due to its grueling nature, presents an entirely different challenge for Pogacar. It marks the first time the talented Slovenian will navigate the treacherous cobblestones that the race is famous for. According to Gilbert, if Pogacar manages to outperform the heavier riders who traditionally excel in this rugged terrain, it would elevate his status among cycling’s elite performances. Gilbert elaborated on Pogacar’s current weight, estimating it to be around 64–65 kilograms, which is slightly heavier than his typical Tour de France racing weight of approximately 62 kilograms. He considers this weight disadvantage significant, discussing whether any cyclists weighing below 70 kilograms have succeeded in past editions of the race.
Moreover, Gilbert emphasized the importance of various factors that come into play during such a race, including weight, the quality of the bike, and the specifications of the tyres used. Notably, certain riders, like Mathieu van der Poel, are contemplating using wider 40mm tyres—a size that one might typically associate with mountain biking. Gilbert points out that the advantages of using wider tyres are manifold: they enhance grip, improve efficiency, and reduce the risk of punctures. In earlier years, cyclists were restricted to using 25mm tyres, which were often inadequate for the challenging cobbles. The transition to wider tyres has significantly altered how racers approach the varied terrain, allowing them to ride more comfortably even when their lines are less than perfect.
The discussion then shifted towards Wout van Aert, a fellow contender from Visma-Lease a Bike, whom Gilbert believes has missed out on winning at least one prestigious title, whether at the Tour of Flanders or Paris-Roubaix. Van Aert experienced disappointments recently, not achieving a podium finish at the Tour of Flanders and missing the previous Paris-Roubaix due to injuries sustained in a prior race, which also hindered his performance at the Tour de France. Despite these setbacks, he has his eyes firmly set on winning Paris-Roubaix this year.
Van Aert’s performance at the recent Flanders race, where he attempted to attack on the key Oude Kwaremont ascent, demonstrates his competitive spirit, though Gilbert remains critical of his overall preparation. He questions whether Van Aert’s training regime, which kept him at altitude, was optimal and suggests that racing experience could be what he needs to step up his performance before the crucial Paris-Roubaix race. Gilbert expresses concerns that if Van Aert fails to secure victory, he may face yet another year of unfulfilled dreams.
Thus, for both Pogacar and Van Aert, the upcoming Paris-Roubaix race will serve as a pivotal moment in their careers. The stakes are high, not only due to the historical significance of the race but also because of the expectations from fans and experts alike. Cycling enthusiasts from around the world will eagerly anticipate the live coverage of Paris-Roubaix 2025, scheduled to take place on April 13, available through TNT Sports and discovery+. Fans can access a plethora of channels and subscriptions through various platforms, ensuring that they won’t miss a moment of the intense competition as these athletes strive for victory on the iconic cobbled roads.
