"One more opponent to keep an eye on, but potentially also one more ally" - Could Filippo Ganna benefit from Tadej Pogacar's Paris-Roubaix presence

The will he won't he nature of Tadej Pogacar's potential Paris-Roubaix involvement continues to dominate the cycling world, despite the French monument being over a month away. One of those riders confirmed to have his aim firmly locked on the iconic cobbles is INEOS Grenadiers' Filippo Ganna.

In conversation with Bici.Pro, Ganna's long-time coach Dario Cioni previewed the potential of Pogacar throwing his name into the mix at Paris-Roubaix and according to the Italian, Ganna could actually be one those to benefit most. "It would certainly be one more opponent to keep an eye on, but potentially also one more ally," Cioni analyses intriguingly. "Because if someone else attacks, he can be an important extra man who helps in the pursuit."

Ganna himself, whilst perhaps not among the standout favourites for Paris-Roubaix has the potential to contest victory, and has previously claimed a 6th placed finish back in 2023 on the cobbles. After skipping the race last year in order to best prepare for the Olympic Games, in 2025 Ganna also has full attention on placing well at Paris-Roubaix.

"The winter went well, without any problems, just a little cold. Filippo did two training camps in Gran Canaria where the weather is optimal compared to other places, and he can concentrate only on work without missing a single day. He trained well, the test values ​​are positive, now it's just a matter of seeing if we did everything right," Cioni explains. "Compared to last year there are no Olympics, this allowed us to make a completely different approach already from the winter. Last year he started a little more calmly because the main goal was later in the season, instead this year he was able to concentrate 100% on the classics. As an approach it is more similar to 2023 and also the values ​​in the tests are in line with that year."

So is Ganna now poised to improve on his 6th from 2023 in the velodrome? "It's hard to say," Cioni answers thoughtfully. "He's definitely learned a lot because he's raced at the highest levels , with the best in the world. I think we'll understand that day. Then in two years some materials have progressed, I think this year he'll use 32mm tubeless. However, these are things he'll decide after the reconnaissance."