“He has no other way to win this race” – Expert questions whether Tadej Pogacar can ever crack Paris-Roubaix
Cycling
Paris-Roubaix 2026 once again lived up to its reputation as one of cycling’s most brutal and unpredictable races, but in the aftermath, the focus has shifted firmly onto what the result says about both Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogacar.
In his post-race podcast analysis, Eurosport commentator Javier Ares framed Van Aert’s victory as more than just another Monument win.
Instead, he positioned it as a long-awaited moment of redemption after years of near misses on cycling’s biggest stages.
“With the immense satisfaction of seeing Wout van Aert win… it was time for a great race, a formidable stage, to redeem him from so much frustration,” Ares explained, underlining the emotional weight behind the Belgian’s triumph.
A race unlike any other
A key part of Ares’ analysis centred on the unique demands of Paris-Roubaix itself. He stressed that the race stands apart from every other Classic, not just in difficulty, but in the way it combines chaos and endurance. “Paris-Roubaix is a race unlike any other,” he said, pointing to the constant tension between control and unpredictability.
That unpredictability, however, should not be confused with randomness. Ares was careful to highlight that while luck plays a role, it never fully determines the outcome. “It’s a bit cruel that luck plays such an important role in this race, but it’s not the only factor.”
With punctures and crashes affecting many of the leading contenders, his conclusion was clear: success in Roubaix is not about avoiding problems, but about responding to them better than anyone else.
Tadej Pogacar ahead of Paris-Roubaix 2026
Pogacar’s limits on Roubaix terrain
When turning to Pogacar, Ares shifted towards a more structural reading of the Slovenian’s performance. The issue, he suggested, is not talent, but suitability. “Paris-Roubaix is even more difficult for Pogacar because there he has rivals who can ultimately beat him in a sprint in the velodrome.”
Rather than pointing to a single decisive moment, Ares framed this as an inherent disadvantage against specialists more naturally suited to the race’s demands.
He also noted how Pogacar’s aggressive racing style may have worked against him over the cobbles. “He managed to bridge across… putting strain on his team… in a race where he needs something more.”
In a race where positioning, support and energy conservation are critical, that constant pressure can come at a cost.
Van Aert’s decisive edge
In contrast, Van Aert’s ride was presented as a masterclass in control and awareness. Beyond the physical effort, Ares highlighted the psychological battle that unfolded in the finale. “He was forcing Pogacar, psychologically, to make that little bit more effort.”
That subtle edge, combined with tactical clarity, proved decisive in a race where margins are often defined by small moments rather than outright dominance.
Ultimately, Ares framed the duel as a clash of styles, each rider bound by their own strengths and limitations. “Pogacar had no other option… driven by his courage, his energy, his bravery… he has no other way to win this race.”
It is a conclusion that cuts to the heart of Roubaix itself: while Van Aert adapted perfectly to its demands, Pogacar was left forcing a race that was never fully designed for him.
Kieran WoodDeputy Editor-in-Chief
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He regularly contributes to DartsNews.com and CyclingUpToDate.com, where he covers professional cycling and darts. In cycling, his work includes liveblogs from major races, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, alongside race reports and analysis. He has also conducted interviews with professional riders.
His reporting spans the full racing calendar, from one-day classics to stage races, with a focus on accurate, real-time coverage and clear contextual analysis. For statistics, results, and historical context, he regularly uses resources such as ProCyclingStats. To support reporting on rider activity and training context where relevant, he also references Strava.
In his work, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles as new, verified information becomes available.
claps 2visitors 2
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- This is a really interesting idea, which, if well prepared could even be very successful. Very little money needs to be involved for a first season and any success could lead to rapid interest from sponsors.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Hmmm, you seem to have a very convenient black and white view of things. Perhaps you haven’t been around much to discover how complex problems can become over time with people who know how to control, manipulate (or worse) others so gradually or subtly that you arrive at an irresolvable situation before you realise. This is how many inconveniences get introduced to the young, naïve, passionate or “desperate”, knowing they are not armed, protected or strong enough to defend themselves once it’s too late. Why do you think omerta culture is so widespread, why do you think so many people continue to go through so many awful things in life that others can’t understand anyone getting into? Life may be far more jolly for you but you would do well to understand (or reflect more on) the real world to refrain from being so quick to criticise those in a hard spot that may have genuine reason for speaking out.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Seriously do you think when somebody gets into a serious accident, the ambulance is called by the hurt person?🤦 there is always a buddy system in place for a risky job. police , firefighters etc so that if someone gets hurt, the other call that in.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I get the point totally. We live in the snowflake society where some riders forget they are getting paid to ride and get results. When they have a few issues they try to look outside of the real issue instead of themselves. It odd so many of the team are making no complaints and getting on with their job. If you do not like what you do find another job simples. Tough love as my mum would say.paultryan200207-11-2026
- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totally understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
Loading
Write a comment