2018 Tour de France champion Geraint Thomas (Ineos Grenadiers) has no doubts that Tadej Pogačar won’t solely trip a robust Paris-Roubaix debut however that the Slovenian may even win it on the primary strive.
Solely a handful of riders have succeeded at combining prime performances at Paris-Roubaix and triumphing within the Tour de France however Thomas is one in all them. A six-time participant in Paris-Roubaix, with seventh in 2014 being his greatest consequence, in addition to being a winner of the Junior Paris-Roubaix again in 2004, Thomas has additionally been victorious in E3 Harelbeke, in addition to getting two prime ten finishes within the Tour of Flanders.
So whether it is honest to say that the cobbled Classics maintain no secrets and techniques for him, Thomas has additionally completed on a Tour de France podium with Pogačar in 2022 and on the Giro d’Italia in 2024. So he has seen first-hand on quite a few events what the Slovenian can obtain in stage racing, too.
Thomas additionally praised Pogačar for merely wanting to participate in Paris-Roubaix, saying it was nice for the game {that a} Tour de France winner just like the Slovenian was keen to take part in a Monument extensively seen as probably the most arduous one-day race of all of them.
“He can do what he desires, it is nice to see him eager to do all kinds of races, racing in a unique fashion,” Thomas advised Cyclingnews on the stage 4 begin of the Volta a Catalunya. “I am trying ahead to seeing him carry out.”
“He has the engine [for Paris-Roubaix]. Among the different boys may very well be heavier favourites, [Mathieu] van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) and Pippo [Filippo Ganna], these greater guys who’re extra constructed for the cobbles. However Pog’s Pog.”
“It is nice for everybody to see, it provides one other factor to the race and offers us all one thing to consider and one thing further to look at.”
In a race like Paris-Roubaix with nearly no climbing, Pogačar’s mild construct won’t assist him in comparison with a cobbled Spring Basic with hills just like the Tour of Flanders – which Pogačar gained in 2023 – when taking up his rivals, Thomas mentioned. Nevertheless, different questions will tip the steadiness again in direction of a victory for the Slovenian.
“He has the ability within the legs, and that is the primary factor. The flatter roads weigh extra in his rivals’ favour,” Thomas mentioned. “In order that’s extra suited to them, however he’ll have the ability to carry out, all the identical.”
As for whether or not he can win it in 2025 regardless of his lack of expertise in Roubaix, Thomas is satisfied that’s greater than a risk. “He can simply drop straight in. For positive he can do it. You want a little bit of luck, be in good place and there are not any unlucky mechanicals or punctures, issues like that…”
“But when that each one goes easily and he is taken care of by his group within the first half of the race and people sectors, then when it comes right down to the second half when it is extra about energy and fewer about positioning, for positive he is in with a shout. Though as everyone knows, something can occur in Roubaix.”
As for Thomas, his days of racing Paris-Roubaix are over, along with his final efficiency there in 2018, the yr the Welshman gained the Tour de France. However as he heads in direction of retirement on the finish of the season, Thomas says, issues are going effectively on the Volta a Catalunya the place he is using in assist for Egan Bernal. After that, Thomas’ll be heading to the Tour of Romandie, after which to altitude coaching in Tenerife.
“I am doing all proper, taking it week by week and having fun with the racing. With the wind and stuff, the primary mountain stage right here made it a bit simpler for me, which is lucky for me, I suppose. However I am feeling okay, and day-to-day I am getting higher.”
Whereas Pogačar’s participation in Paris-Roubaix is dominating the headlines, the beautiful efficiency by up-and-coming British rider Matthew Brennan (Visma-Lease a Bike) within the Volta a Catalunya, winner of the opening stage and second on day two may hardly fail to catch Thomas’ consideration within the race. However as he mentioned, it isn’t simply the sprinting that is so spectacular.
“He is had an incredible begin to his profession up to now, and clearly he is using actually very strongly right here,” Thomas mentioned admiringly of a rider almost 20 years his junior. “He was nonetheless there on the final climb yesterday [Wednesday, in the Pyrenees – Ed.] as effectively, so honest play to him. He is obtained a vibrant future.”
