OFFICIAL: UAE finally confirm Tadej Pogacar set for Paris-Roubaix debut in 2025 - Tour of Flanders also officially confirmed for world champion

After months of speculation, it has now been finally and officially confirmed by UAE Team Emirates - XRG... Tadej Pogacar is going to make his Paris-Roubaix debut in 2025!

The news comes after earlier reports that the Slovenian world champion was removed from the preliminary startlist for the upcoming E3 Saxo Classic and Gent Wevelgem. In a press release on the official UAE Team Emirates - XRG website, the team revealed a notably Pogacar-less lineup for both races. "It was initially planned for Tadej Pogacar to participate in both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent Wevelgem. However, after discussions with the team, it has been decided that he will adjust his calendar to focus on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix instead, aiming for peak form in those iconic races," explains the team in their announcement.

In Pogacar's absence, the team will instead be led by Belgian Classics star Tim Wellens. “We’re really coming into the heart of the Belgian calendar now and you can feel the special atmosphere around. As a team I think we have made a super start to the season and our group of riders here can make a difference in these races," previews Wellens excitedly to his team's website. "Myself and Nils Politt were both in the top-10 in E3 last year so we know it’s a race that can suit us if things go our way on the day. As a team we’re really motivated and excited for the next few weeks racing here in Belgium.”

Filippo Baroncini
Mikkel Bjerg
Antonio Morgado
Juan Sebastian Molano
Nils Politt
Florian Vermeersch
Tim Wellens

Filippo Baroncini
Mikkel Bjerg
Juan Sebastian Molano
Rui Oliveira
Nils Politt
Florian Vermeersch
Tim Wellens