Tadej Pogacar rules out abandoning Paris-Roubaix goal

Tadej Pogacar is not expected to abandon his long-term ambition of winning Paris-Roubaix, despite the serious crash that has ended his season. The Slovenian is now looking towards 2027, while the northern classic remains the only Monument missing from his record.

Pogacar fell during the eighth stage of the Vuelta a España two weeks ago, ending a campaign in which he had been leading the race and targeting a first overall victory. The accident caused a displaced collarbone fracture that required complex surgery, as well as a concussion. His planned appearances at the world and European championships and the Tour of Lombardy have consequently been ruled out.

The injury led to speculation that Pogacar could avoid Paris-Roubaix in future years because of the risk of another crash. UAE-Team Emirates manager Mauro Gianetti has rejected that prospect, arguing that the danger is not limited to the cobbled race. He pointed to the high speeds and tightly packed peloton at the Vuelta stage where Pogacar was injured.

In Gianetti’s assessment, such conditions can produce more severe accidents than those at Roubaix, where riders may hit the pavé at lower speeds. The team therefore continues to see Paris-Roubaix as part of Pogacar’s ambitions rather than a race he is prepared to leave behind.