Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar, and beyond – Analysing the contenders for the men's Paris-Roubaix

Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogačar are set to headline the men’s Paris-Roubaix this Sunday, continuing their recent dominance of cycling’s Monument races. Van der Poel, the three-time defending champion, aims to secure a fourth victory and join the elite ranks of Tom Boonen and Roger De Vlaeminck as the most successful riders in the race’s history. Pogačar, meanwhile, is chasing a unique milestone that would see him complete the set of cycling’s five Monuments, a feat achieved by only a handful of legends. Their rivalry has intensified following last year’s dramatic showdown, where the pair broke away from the pack but Pogačar faltered due to a handling error. Van der Poel’s strengths lie in his combination of endurance, explosive power, and exceptional bike handling skills honed through his cyclocross background. His ability to ride solo into the Roubaix velodrome has been a hallmark of his recent wins, although the presence of Pogačar might force him to rely on his sprinting prowess for the first time in several years. The Dutchman’s team support, including sprinter Jasper Philipsen, adds further tactical depth to his campaign. However, the technical demands of the course and Pogačar’s growing aptitude on the cobbles suggest the race could be more fiercely contested than in previous editions. Pogačar’s emergence as a serious contender in Paris-Roubaix marks a significant evolution in his career, traditionally defined by Grand Tour success rather than the cobbled Classics. His victory at the Tour of Flanders earlier this year demonstrated his adaptability and resilience, overcoming previous mistakes to assert himself among the sport’s elite one-day racers. Despite lacking the sprinting speed of some rivals, Pogačar’s challenge will be to reach the velodrome ahead of the pack, a daunting task on a course that offers few opportunities to break away cleanly. His pursuit of Paris-Roubaix glory adds an intriguing subplot to the race, as he seeks to rewrite the conventional boundaries of a Grand Tour specialist. Beyond the headline duo, the field includes several other credible contenders capable of shaping the race’s outcome. Riders like Filippo Ganna, Wout van Aert, and Mads Pedersen bring a mix of power, experience, and tactical nous that could disrupt the expected duel. Ganna, in particular, has shown strong form in recent Classics and possesses the raw strength suited to the cobbles, despite a disappointing Milan-San Remo earlier this season. The depth of talent ensures that Paris-Roubaix remains unpredictable, with numerous scenarios possible as the riders tackle the infamous northern French terrain. As the race approaches, the narrative centres on whether Van der Poel can extend his dominance or if Pogačar will break new ground by conquering a race traditionally outside the remit of Grand Tour champions. The technical challenges, physical demands, and strategic complexity of Paris-Roubaix