Tadej Pogačar says it was 'mission impossible' to drop Wout van Aert on the cobbles after another second place at Paris-Roubaix

Tadej Pogačar once again finished second at Paris-Roubaix, narrowly missing out on victory to Wout van Aert in a thrilling finale at the Roubaix velodrome. The World Champion and the Belgian star broke away from the peloton with 54 kilometres remaining, maintaining a two-man lead after a decisive attack on the Auchy-lez-Orchies cobbled sector. Despite several attempts by Pogačar to distance Van Aert on the challenging cobbles, the Slovenian was unable to shake off his rival, who ultimately out-sprinted him to claim his second Monument win. Pogačar’s race was hampered by a series of punctures and bike changes, which he revealed took a toll on his energy levels. Although his team provided strong support to bring him back into contention before the Arenberg sector, the cumulative effect left him fatigued during the critical phases of the race. He acknowledged that once he was alongside Van Aert, he lacked the freshness needed to launch a successful attack on the cobbles, describing the task of dropping the Belgian as “mission impossible.” Reflecting on the race, Pogačar praised Van Aert’s tactical intelligence and sprinting prowess, noting that the Belgian’s experience and speed made him a formidable opponent. He admitted that while he had hoped to counter-attack after Van Aert’s initial move, the combination of the wind and the demanding Carrefour sector sapped his strength. In the final sprint, Pogačar said his legs felt like “spaghetti,” underscoring the physical challenge he faced in the closing moments. Looking ahead, Pogačar remains open to returning to Paris-Roubaix in future editions as he continues to pursue a win in the cobbled classic, which would complete his set of victories across cycling’s five Monuments. Having already secured four of these prestigious races, the Slovenian’s determination to conquer the “Queen of the Classics” remains undiminished, with a possible return in 2027 hinted at as he gains more experience on the cobbles.