“Paris-Roubaix is the Classic where Evenepoel would have the biggest advantage over Pogacar” - Jan Bakelants backs compatriot to make debut sooner rather than later

Remco Evenepoel’s Tour of Flanders debut last weekend did more than deliver a podium. It shifted the conversation.

Up against the two defining forces of the cobbled Classics, Evenepoel held his own deep into the race before finishing third behind Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. Not by chance, not by circumstance, but by riding at their level for much of the day.

That performance has already sparked a bigger question. Not whether Evenepoel can handle the cobbles, but when he will take on Paris-Roubaix.

For Jan Bakelants, the answer may come sooner than expected.

Evenepoel has already ruled out lining up at Roubaix this weekend, but his showing in Flanders has clearly altered perceptions. “I would have liked to see it now, Remco at Paris-Roubaix,” Bakelants said on Wielerclub Wattage. “I get the feeling Remco has developed a taste for those cobbled Classics.”

More striking, however, is where the former pro believes Evenepoel could make the greatest impact. “And I think, somewhat paradoxically, that Paris-Roubaix is the Classic where Evenepoel would have the biggest advantage over Pogacar.”

It is a bold claim given Pogacar’s current dominance, but one rooted in the specific demands of Roubaix rather than recent results alone.

While Flanders is defined by short, explosive climbs, Paris-Roubaix is something else entirely.

Flat, exposed and relentlessly attritional, it is often described less as a climbing race and more as a battle against the elements. “Tom Boonen recently told me that Roubaix is essentially a race against the wind. You are always riding exposed. And who rides better in the wind than Remco?”

Evenepoel’s strength has always been his ability to sustain high power over long periods, particularly in open, windswept terrain. It is a quality that does not always translate directly to the punchy climbs of Flanders, but could prove decisive on the long cobbled sectors of Roubaix.

There had been doubts heading into last weekend. Evenepoel’s build, his lack of experience on cobbles, and the level of opposition all raised questions.

Flanders provided answers. “At Flanders, Remco felt that he can also handle the cobbles well. That’s why he didn’t immediately rule out riding Roubaix.”

Evenepoel was not simply present. He was part of the race’s defining move and remained within touching distance of Pogacar and Van der Poel for a prolonged period before riding solo to secure third place.

That matters when projecting forward. “If you can stay within 20 seconds of such a strong duo for 40 kilometres, that shows you are in very good condition.”

For now, Evenepoel has opted against making his Paris-Roubaix debut this season, a decision Bakelants understands. “But I can also understand Remco’s decision not to ride Roubaix.”

The longer-term outlook, however, feels less uncertain. “I don’t think it will be next year already. He might first add Milano-Sanremo as another Classic.”

Even if the timeline remains unclear, the direction of travel is not.