Cycling fans around the world were dealt a blow today as it was officially confirmed that Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar will not participate in the upcoming Paris-Roubaix race following a serious crash. The incident occurred during a training session early Monday morning, just days before the highly anticipated event scheduled for April 13, 2025.
Pogačar, who recently claimed a dominant solo victory at the Tour of Flanders, was seen as one of the major contenders for the grueling one-day race often dubbed “The Hell of the North.” However, during a technical descent on wet pavement, the 26-year-old lost control of his bike and suffered a high-speed crash. According to a statement from his team, UAE Team Emirates, he sustained a fractured collarbone and multiple contusions, which require immediate medical attention and recovery time.
“Following medical evaluation, Tadej will be unable to race in Paris-Roubaix,” the team announced. “While his injuries are not life-threatening, they are significant enough to require rest and rehabilitation. We are focused on his full recovery and return to competition when he is ready.”
The news comes as a major disappointment not only to fans but also to Pogačar himself, who had set his sights on conquering the cobblestones of northern France — one of the few races missing from his stellar career résumé.
The cycling community has flooded social media with messages of support for the two-time Tour de France winner. While the injury is a setback, both fans and team officials remain optimistic that Pogačar will return stronger in the months ahead, possibly targeting the Ardennes classics or focusing his efforts on the Giro d’Italia later in the season.
For now, the Paris-Roubaix will go on without one of its brightest stars.
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