Tadej Pogacar faced the challenge for the first time Paris-Roubaix, concluding at second place behind Mathieu Van der PoelThe Slovenian surprised us (in part) with the naturalness with which he faced this very particular challenge. And we talk about this naturalness with Moreno Moser, former professional and now technical commentator for Eurosport.
Together with the Trentino we analyzed the performance of the leader of the UAE Emirates, highlighting technical aspects. Handlebar grip, tactics, group position, riding… So many details have emerged surrounding the world champion's Hell of the North. And if we had to summarize it in advance, we could say that the word "guarded" (in all respects) fits him perfectly.
Moreno, let's start with tactics: how did you evaluate Pogacar's approach to Roubaix?
He always ran under control, preferring to spend a little more to be in front and have a clear view. This approach is similar to Van der Poel's, who prefers to take a breather and take fewer risks. How many times have we seen them in the middle of the road or moving forward themselves? He demonstrated the right attitude, but also that of someone new to this race. For example, he often left a few extra centimeters to see where the road was and where the potholes were, a behavior that helps avoid risks.
What technical details did you notice in his riding on the cobblestones? For example, we thought he could jump from the "bank" to the cobblestones and back again quite well, something a Roubaix regular usually does…
He often stuck his head out to try to get a better view ahead when he was right behind me. A sign of utmost attention, of control, as I was saying. I saw him go to the front firsthand to try to take the lead and ride on the donkey's back. But he can do this because Tadej has a lot of energy.
We noticed that he basically always had his hands on the levers. Doesn't that pay off in terms of aerodynamics?
True, they also pointed this out to us live, as Van der Poel gripped the handlebars with his hands underneath. He also seemed to be sitting a little lower on the saddle, but that could be an impression due to his forward position: if he changed those 2 millimeters, you'd have a hard time seeing it. Maybe he simply moved it a little further forward. But I don't think it's really a question of aerodynamics. Today they are often more aero when they have their hands on the levers, because they can bend their elbows better.
Clear…
When I was still racing and the various tests were being done—and a lot has changed since then—they explained to us how important it was to keep your head tucked into your shoulders because it reduces the frontal cross-section. Think about time trial prostheses: once they were "on the front wheel," today they are 20 centimeters thick and more aerodynamic. The position of the hands is also a question of habit and comfort when driving. While I noticed that Tadej He often did stretching to straighten his back.The Roubaix cobblestones were tough for him too! They had a different impact than those in Flanders.
And what about Pogačar's proverbial agility? Was Van der Poel more agile than him this time?
I think it was because he was tired and in the end he “attached himself to the relationship.” Pogacar was also agile in the first cobbled sectors, but towards the end he seemed more tired than usual. His pedaling was heavy and he couldn't maintain his usual pace. And he wasn't slow, either. Yet it seemed that way precisely because he wasn't spinning like he usually did.
Do you think it can improve further on cobblestones? And if so, in what way?
Overall I saw it well, but I don't think that by doing five more Roubaixes I can improve that much, especially compared to Van der Poel. The latter has a sensitivity developed since childhood in cyclocross, which leads him to have superior riding skills. Mathieu has a level of awareness on the bike that allows him not to be scaredWhen he feels the wheel moving, he lets the bike roll without braking, often saving critical situations. This is something others, who instinctively brake, perhaps don't do.
What's the overall assessment of his performance? So, can Pogacar win a Roubaix?
He ran well, showing tactical intelligence and adaptability. Despite not having Van der Poel's experience on the cobbles, he has shown that he can compete at a high level even in such a demanding race. In the end, they were almost tied. He probably would have won the same VdP, but maybe he wouldn't have overtaken him. If you think about it, he didn't lose much. The problem is that Here we are talking about absolute power And Van der Poel has a little more. Tadej didn't have the Flanders walls, which, even if short, whenever he hit them hard, put more fatigue on his opponents' legs than on his own.
Exactly what Pino Toni told us a few days ago…
And he did well to make the ride toughIn the end, the more tired you get, the more advantage he has. Even if he or VdP make a move, the others have to close the gap. And closing the gap costs energy; you can't keep up with them for free. Being the strongest, having more energy, they run this way and swing the race in their favor. What to add in perspective: Tadej, compared to Van der Poel, is older....
