Italian Ex-Pro Warns Pogacar Ahead of Paris-Roubaix: ‘Two Years Ago He Crashed at Liège and That Cost Him the Tour’
With Paris-Roubaix looming, former Italian professional cyclist Andrea Tafi has issued a stark warning to Tadej Pogačar, recalling his fateful crash at Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2022 and its impact on his Tour de France ambitions.
Speaking to Italian media, Tafi emphasized the risks of tackling the brutal pavé of Roubaix, particularly for a rider like Pogačar, who is still relatively inexperienced on the famed cobbles. “We all remember what happened in Liège two years ago,” Tafi said. “That crash cost him the Tour de France. Now he is taking on an even greater challenge.”
Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France winner, is set to make his Paris-Roubaix debut this weekend, marking a bold step in his pursuit of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races. While the Slovenian has already proven his versatility with victories in races like the Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche, the unpredictable nature of Roubaix presents an entirely different challenge.
The treacherous cobblestones of the ‘Hell of the North’ have ended the hopes of many great riders, and Tafi, who won Paris-Roubaix in 1999, knows the dangers all too well. “You need luck, skill, and a perfect day to win Roubaix,” he added. “One mistake, one bad moment, and your season could be derailed.”
Pogačar remains undeterred, insisting that he is prepared for the challenge. “I love racing on new terrain, and Roubaix is the next big goal,” he said. “I know it will be tough, but I’m ready.”
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Slovenian superstar can conquer one of cycling’s most unforgiving races—or if Tafi’s warning proves prophetic.
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