'I don't see where Van der Poel can drop Pogačar on Sunday. Or vice versa.' - Patrick Lefevere, 'Mr. Paris-Roubaix', predicts velodrome showdown between two biggest stars

Patrick Lefevere, the former Soudal-QuickStep team director and six-time Paris-Roubaix winner as a manager, has offered his insight ahead of the 2026 edition of the Hell of the North. He predicts that neither Tadej Pogačar nor defending champion Mathieu van der Poel will be able to shake off the other before reaching the iconic Roubaix velodrome. Instead, Lefevere foresees a dramatic showdown on the track itself, where both riders will contest the finish together, setting the stage for a thrilling sprint despite their lack of track racing experience. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of the race, Lefevere highlighted the tactical and technical challenges posed by the Roubaix velodrome, noting that while it is less demanding than Ghent’s Kuipke, it still requires a keen sense of strategy. He recalled the 1993 edition when Franco Ballerini narrowly lost to Gilbert Duclos-Lassalle due to tactical errors, illustrating how crucial timing and awareness are in the final moments. Lefevere’s reflections underscore that even the greatest riders can falter in the velodrome, adding an unpredictable element to the anticipated duel between Pogačar and Van der Poel. Lefevere also weighed in on the comparative strengths of the two favourites. He acknowledged Van der Poel’s advantage on the cobblestones due to his heavier build but stressed that Pogačar’s previous misfortune last year was more about an overambitious crash than a lack of pace. He dismissed the impact of equipment differences following recent UCI regulations, suggesting that the playing field is now level. Both riders are supported by strong domestiques, with Pogačar’s Florian Vermeersch and Van der Poel’s Jasper Philipsen offering tactical options, though Lefevere believes Van der Poel’s champion mentality may prevent him from fully exploiting team tactics. Looking ahead, the stakes could not be higher. Pogačar is aiming to claim his first Monument victory at Paris-Roubaix, while Van der Poel seeks to equal the record with a fourth win. Lefevere’s prediction of a neck-and-neck battle culminating in a velodrome sprint adds to the anticipation of what promises to be a memorable race finale. With both riders evenly matched in every respect, the outcome remains uncertain, ensuring that fans will be watching closely as the Hell of the North unfolds.