Jasper Philipsen warns Tadej Pogacar he won't be gifted Paris-Roubaix title: “We definitely won’t give anything away”

Jasper Philipsen heads into Paris-Roubaix 2026 with confidence, clarity in his role, and a clear message for the man dominating the spring.

Tadej Pogacar may arrive as the standout name after victories at Milano-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders, but within the Alpecin-Premier Tech camp, there is no sense of inevitability about Sunday’s outcome. “Of course, he’s a major contender to win, but we are certainly not without a chance," says Philipsen pre-race in quotes collected by HLN. "We head to Roubaix with confidence and hope to play to our strengths. We definitely won’t give anything away.”

The balance of power looked clear in Flanders, where Pogacar rode clear on the climbs and left even Mathieu van der Poel unable to respond. Paris-Roubaix, however, presents a different kind of challenge.

Flat, exposed and shaped by more than 50 kilometres of cobbles, it is a race where teamwork and positioning can carry as much weight as outright strength. That shift is where Philipsen sees opportunity. With Van der Poel alongside him, Alpecin arrive not just with one favourite, but with options.

Philipsen’s role within that dynamic is well defined, but not restrictive. “We can strengthen each other and bring calm. It’s no guarantee of success. I mainly have to see how far I can get myself, and hopefully I end up in a position where I can make a difference.”

That balance between individual ambition and team responsibility has already proven effective. Philipsen finished runner-up at Paris-Roubaix in both 2023 and 2024, each time completing a one-two for Alpecin behind Mathieu van der Poel.

His sprint remains a major weapon if the race comes back together late, while his presence also allows Van der Poel to race more aggressively earlier on. In a race where scenarios shift constantly, that flexibility is key.

Philipsen also arrives in a different position compared to previous seasons. “I’m really looking forward to it. Roubaix is one of the most beautiful races of the year. It’s a race I always enjoy coming back to,” he says. “With a win already in the bag, I go into it more relaxed as well. It’s not a last-chance race for me like it is for some.”

That sense of freedom could prove important on terrain where patience and decision-making often matter as much as physical strength.

For all the talk of favourites, Paris-Roubaix rarely follows expectations. Mechanical issues, positioning and sheer unpredictability remain defining factors, and even the strongest rider can see their chances disappear in an instant.

Philipsen is under no illusions about the challenge, but equally, he is not willing to concede anything in advance. Pogacar may be setting the standard this spring, but Roubaix has its own rules.

And as Philipsen made clear, nothing will come easily on the cobbles this Sunday.