“I see him causing absolute chaos" - Legendary commentator Phil Liggett previews Pogacar's Paris-Roubaix debut

Tadej Pogacar’s upcoming debut at Paris-Roubaix has the cycling world buzzing, and legendary commentator Phil Liggett is among those watching with curiosity and excitement.

Speaking on NBC’s Beyond The Podium, Liggett shared his thoughts on the reigning Tour de France champion taking on one of the sport’s most unforgiving races.

“Once you get to the forest of Arenberg, and the trenches outside, it’s every man for himself, it’s a battleground,” Liggett explained. “If you drop a wheel your race could be over.”

Paris-Roubaix, often referred to as the “Hell of the North”, is notorious for its brutal cobbled sectors, unpredictable conditions, and chaotic racing. Pogacar, known for his attacking flair and incredible endurance, will face a vastly different challenge on the bone-rattling pavé of northern France.

“I wonder how Tadej will handle all that chaos,” Liggett continued. “He will have to hold his position at the front from the first cobblestones.”

With his aggressive style and love for racing on instinct, Pogacar might be tempted to light up the race early. But as Liggett cautioned, the real challenge may lie in pacing his efforts across nearly the monument distance.

“Such a difficult race. With his enthusiasm, he’s going to want to let himself go as soon as he gets the chance. But can he last the distance – that’s the question?”

The Slovenian superstar has already conquered the Tour of Flanders and has Il Lombardia, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the World Championships on his palmarès. But Roubaix remains an entirely different beast, one that has humbled many greats.

Still, Liggett is certain that Pogacar won’t go unnoticed: “I see him causing absolute chaos!”

With Mathieu van der Poel (the reigning Paris-Roubaix champion) expected to be on the start line, fans could be treated to yet another showdown between two of the sport’s generational talents.

The question remains: can Pogacar beat Van der Poel at his own game on the cobbles of Roubaix? We’ll find out next month in one of the most highly anticipated editions of the Hell of the North in years.