'It takes away all hope, that's how big the difference is' – Tadej Pogačar's riding is beyond demotivating, says Classics rival

Tadej Pogačar’s recent performances in the Classics have left his rivals grappling with a sense of despair, as his dominance appears almost insurmountable. Belgian rider Oliver Naesen, speaking on the HLN Wielerpodcast, described Pogačar’s superiority as going beyond mere demotivation, stating that it “takes away all hope” due to the vast difference in ability. Naesen contrasted Pogačar’s level with other top competitors, emphasising that even the likes of Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert struggle to keep pace with the Slovenian on tougher courses. Naesen elaborated on the evolving dynamics within the peloton, suggesting that the traditional two-speed model has shifted to three, with Pogačar occupying a class of his own. His comments underscore the challenge faced by Classics specialists who once dominated these races but now find themselves unable to match Pogačar’s relentless pace and tactical acumen. Former Paris-Roubaix winner Greg Van Avermaet echoed this sentiment, expressing both admiration and curiosity about the physiological edge that enables Pogačar’s extraordinary performances. Van Avermaet also noted signs of physical strain in Pogačar following his Tour of Flanders victory, observing the Slovenian’s drawn appearance and red eyes during post-race interviews. This suggests that while Pogačar’s dominance is formidable, it comes at a significant physical cost. The upcoming Paris-Roubaix, one of the Monuments Pogačar has targeted this season alongside Milan-San Remo, will offer a fresh test of his resilience and form, with a strong field assembled to challenge him. Among those preparing to contest Paris-Roubaix are Naesen, Van der Poel, Van Aert, and Mads Pedersen, all eager to demonstrate that Pogačar can be beaten. The race promises to be a crucial battleground where the current hierarchy of Classics racing may be reaffirmed or reshaped. As Pogačar continues to push the limits of what is possible, his rivals are forced to seek new strategies and levels of performance to close the gap.