"They're two opposites when it comes to these things" - Tadej Pogacar's Paris-Roubaix start sets him apart from Jonas Vingegaard according to Bjarne Riis

Tadej Pogacar v Jonas Vingegaard is arguably the defining rivalry of the current cycling generation. Outside their yearly battles at the Tour de France though, the pair are polar opposites as riders, a fact that has been highlighted again by the official confirmation from UAE Team Emirates - XRG that Pogacar will make a highly-anticipated debut at Paris-Roubaix in 2025.

"Absolutely, I think that's a great example. But the problem is that we compare them too much," Vingegaard's Danish compatriot, 1996 Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis analyses in conversation with Feltet.dk. "They're two opposites when it comes to these things. Pogacar does it just because he enjoys it. Jonas chooses not to, because it disrupts his preparation."

Further highlighting Pogacar's uniqueness as an all-round phenomenon, the current world champion is set to become the first reigning Tour de France champion to compete at Paris-Roubaix since the legendary Greg LeMond all the way back in 1991. As such, Riis is keen to point out that whilst Pogacar's versatility is indeed incredibly impressive, that shouldn't damage Vingegaard by association. "I'm not saying Jonas should race Roubaix, because I probably wouldn’t advise him to," says the 60-year-old. "But he could still race the Ardennes."

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

As with many experts, ex-pro and fans of the sport however, Riis is incredibly intrigued by the official confirmation of the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader's start on the iconic French cobbles. "That's awesome. You can't be surprised by the Slovenian world number one anymore," says Riis. 

But can Pogacar actually win Paris-Roubaix. Nothing seems totally out of reach (although Milano-Sanremo is proving difficult ed.). "It's hard to say. Paris-Roubaix is a special race. But I have a lot of respect and take my hat off to him for trying," Riis explains, himself having only competed at the race on one occasion. "He won't race if he doesn't think he can perform well. Of course, he needs to avoid bad luck and such things. That can easily happen in these kinds of races because they are so technically challenging. But he feels he has the strength on the cobbles. That's why he's racing. And he's just a beast, really. He has set himself some goals. It's amazing to watch. Respect for that."

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"I see them both as equals" - Jan Ullrich insists there is nothing to separate Jonas Vingegaard & Tadej Pogacar ahead of 2025 Tour de France

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