Bernard Hinault weighs in on Pogacar’s Paris-Roubaix debut: “If he gets it into his head that he can win Roubaix, then he will”

Tadej Pogacar’s long-anticipated debut at Paris-Roubaix was officially confirmed yesterday, marking a bold new chapter in the world champion’s already storied career. His presence at the Hell of the North will make him the first reigning Tour de France winner to start the race since Greg LeMond in 1991.

One figure who’s particularly pleased to see the Slovenian star take on Roubaix is Bernard Hinault, the legendary Frenchman who won all three Grand Tours and conquered multiple Monuments.

“I did it at the time because I wore the rainbow jersey and wanted to honor that jersey. And who is the world champion now?” Hinault said in an interview with Le Parisien. “If he gets it into his head that he can win Roubaix, then he will.”

Roubaix is famously unpredictable, with crashes and mechanical issues often shaping the outcome. Hinault knows that better than most but dismissed concerns about risk. “A fall can happen at any moment. And who tells me he will fall? In the end, Pogacar himself is the one who decides. If he wants to ride Roubaix, then they should let him do it.”

The five-time Tour de France winner sees a rare kindred spirit in Pogacar. “He is the one who is closest to me and Eddy Merckx,” said Hinault. “He attacks, uphill and on the flat. He rides Grand Tours and Classics. That's why we love him—he is a rider who attacks and says to himself: we'll see what happens.”

Hinault also praised Pogacar’s approach to racing, contrasting it with the more cautious mindset of others in the peloton. “At one point I was called an old fool by saying that you can also win by attacking from far away,” he said. “And that it was more beautiful to watch. Pogacar proves that now. For him cycling is a game that he enjoys. For others it is more of a job, they think far too much. Pogacar listens to no one and if he wants to have Roubaix on his list of achievements, then he has to go for it.”