'Compared to him, I'm a goat on a bike' – Filippo Ganna acknowledges his Paris-Roubaix weakness but throws down gauntlet for Pogačar and Van der Poel

Filippo Ganna, the Italian time trial specialist and reigning under-23 Paris-Roubaix champion, is gearing up for his sixth attempt at the Hell of the North with renewed confidence following his recent victory at Dwars door Vlaanderen. While this win has bolstered hopes of a strong showing, possibly even a podium finish, Ganna remains realistic about the challenges ahead. He acknowledges that raw power alone will not be enough to overcome the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar, who are the clear favourites for the cobbled classic. Ganna’s candid reflections reveal a key limitation in his Paris-Roubaix ambitions: bike handling on the treacherous cobblestones. He described the race as a form of “suffering that can turn into torture,” highlighting the technical demands that favour riders with cyclo-cross backgrounds. Van der Poel, in particular, is praised for his exceptional skill in navigating the cobbles, able to find smoother lines and maintain balance where others struggle. Ganna joked that compared to Van der Poel, he is “a goat on a bike,” admitting that attempting to mimic such finesse could lead to disaster. Despite these challenges, Ganna is determined to stay close to the race’s leading contenders and potentially challenge them in a sprint finish. He emphasised that the onus is on Van der Poel, Pogačar, and others to break him rather than the other way around. His teammate-turned-sporting director, Geraint Thomas, accompanied him on a final reconnaissance of the cobbles, underscoring the meticulous preparation Ganna is undertaking. Ineos Grenadiers’ sports director Ian Stannard also expressed optimism about Ganna’s form and motivation, suggesting the Italian could arrive at Paris-Roubaix in the best shape of his career. As Ganna returned to France after Easter training and family time in Italy, the focus now shifts to whether he can translate his growing confidence and power into a breakthrough performance on the cobbles. While the spotlight remains firmly on Van der Poel and Pogačar, Ganna’s blend of strength and tactical acumen could make him a dark horse in this year’s edition. His candid acceptance of his weaknesses, combined with a clear strategic approach, sets the stage for an intriguing contest at one of cycling’s most iconic and demanding races.