‘A Bad Crash Could Jeopardize the Tour’: UAE Team Emirates Cautious Over Pogačar’s Schedule.

UAE Team Emirates is considering a cautious approach to Tadej Pogačar’s race calendar following his crash at Strade Bianche, with concerns that another incident could jeopardize his Tour de France ambitions. The team is now urging the Slovenian superstar to skip the notoriously dangerous Paris-Roubaix, a race known for its brutal cobbled sectors and unpredictable crashes.

Pogačar, who has dazzled fans with his fearless and aggressive racing style, went down hard during Strade Bianche, a race that features gravel roads and steep climbs. While he managed to remount his bike and finish, the incident has prompted UAE Team Emirates to rethink his spring campaign.

Prioritizing the Tour de France

The Tour de France remains the primary objective for Pogačar and his team. After finishing second to Jonas Vingegaard in the past two editions, the 25-year-old is eager to reclaim the yellow jersey in July. UAE Team Emirates believes that unnecessary risks in one-day races like Paris-Roubaix could compromise his preparation and fitness for the sport’s biggest event.

“A bad crash could jeopardize the Tour,” a team representative told reporters. “Tadej loves to race aggressively, and that’s part of what makes him so special, but we have to be smart. Paris-Roubaix is a race where crashes are almost inevitable, and with his current goals, we need to be careful.”

Will Pogačar Listen?

Pogačar has never been one to shy away from a challenge, and he has previously expressed interest in tackling Paris-Roubaix. However, with the Tour de France as his top priority, he may have to compromise. Last year, he skipped Roubaix but still took on some of the spring’s biggest one-day races, including the Tour of Flanders, where he claimed victory.

His upcoming schedule will likely be adjusted to ensure he peaks for the Tour de France while still sharpening his form with key races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and possibly the Critérium du Dauphiné.

Balancing Risk and Reward

Pogačar’s versatility has made him one of the most exciting riders of his generation. However, with the high stakes of modern cycling, teams are increasingly mindful of risk management. While his aggressive racing style has won him fans and titles, UAE Team Emirates wants to ensure that he arrives at the Grand Départ in optimal condition.

For now, the debate continues: should Pogačar take the risk and race Paris-Roubaix, or should he listen to his team’s advice and focus solely on his ultimate goal—winning the Tour de France?

One thing is certain: whatever decision he makes, all eyes will be on Pogačar as he continues his quest for cycling greatness.