UAE Team Emirates – XRG refuse to deny Pogacar’s Paris-Roubaix plans: "First, we have to wait and see how Milano-Sanremo goes”
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar’s brilliance continues to be the main headline
of cycling, with his recent victory at Strade Bianche adding another remarkable
chapter to his career. However, it wasn’t just his dominant performance that
stood out, it was his ability to bounce back from a terrifying crash that left
spectators holding their breath.
With 51 kilometres remaining, Pogacar hit the ground at
nearly 70 km/h, a fall that could have ended his race. Instead, he got back up,
scraped and bruised, swapped his bike, and charged forward to victory.
Reflecting on the moment, UAE Team Emirates – XRG sports director Andrej
Hauptman acknowledged the unpredictable nature of gravel racing in an interview
with S.Sportal.
"A lot can happen on such sections, for us it is the
most stressful thing. Tadej was top-notch. He fell 50 kilometers from the
finish, but fortunately without serious consequences. We will definitely
remember this race."
When asked about his immediate reaction to Pogacar’s crash,
Hauptman admitted that there was no time to process emotions, only to react and
manage the situation.
"It happens so quickly that you don't have time to
think. You're solving the situation. There's no time for stress."
Crashes are an ever-present danger in professional cycling,
and Pogacar’s ability to recover and still win underscores his mental and
physical resilience. The unpredictability of racing was further highlighted by Jonas
Vingegaard’s withdrawal from Paris-Nice, where a crash abruptly ended his
campaign.
"Every kilometer in the race can be decisive. You have
to be focused at all times, especially on classics or technical stages. If you
lose concentration for just a moment, everything can turn upside down,"
Hauptman noted.
With Strade Bianche now a week in the past, Pogacar has shifted
his focus to his next major challenge: Milan-Sanremo on March 22. Despite the bruises
and soreness from his crash, he has already resumed training and remains fully
committed to his preparation.
"Tadej is a cyclist who never complains. You can
imagine that the nights after a fall like that are not the easiest. The next
day or two in particular are the most painful. Tadej says that everything is
going according to plan and he is already preparing for the next race. On
Monday, he immediately did a lighter training session. For now, everything is
going according to plan and he is focusing on Milan–San Remo."
Milan-Sanremo is often described as one of the most unpredictable
Monuments, with its long distance and explosive finale making it a challenge
for any type of rider to master. While it may not be the ideal race for Pogacar’s
strengths, his determination to win it is unquestionable.
"As before any important race, the last week is
crucial. For now, everything is going according to plan. Milan–San Remo is not
a race that would suit Tadej the most, but he loves challenges. He believes
that one day he will be able to win. He knows exactly how to race in such
races. Every moment in the race is a chapter in itself. In cycling, a huge
number of factors influence the outcome, so we will have to wait for
Saturday."
One of the biggest questions looming over Pogacar’s spring
schedule is whether he will make his debut at Paris-Roubaix. The Slovenian has
hinted at his interest in the race, but his team has been careful not to
confirm anything yet.
When asked about the possibility of Pogačar racing Roubaix
this year, Hauptman remained cautious.
"First, we have to wait and see how Milano-Sanremo
goes, then we will talk about the next races."
So that’s neither a yes or no. Will he? Won’t he? And if he
does, could he really beat Mathieu van der Poel?
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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