By @amatiz12
One of the biggest debates after Tadej Pogacar’s victory in the Tour of Flanders is whether he can win all five monuments. The unknown in this challenge falls on Paris-Roubaix, which seems the least suitable for the Slovenian. However, Tom Boonen, legend of the ‘Hell of the North’ believes that Handsome It has everything you need to reach the top of the French cobblestones.
“Someday I will try Roubaix, although I will have to gain a few kilos to win it”, the one from UAE had said on the subject. However, Boonen contradicts him. “That you have to be heavy to go fast on cobblestones is a story that has taken on a life of its own. But it’s nonsense, you just have to be strong”, explained the Belgian in Sporza.
“Heavy riders are also usually strong. They have a little more power on the flat. But Pogacar can certainly also generate the necessary power to be good at Roubaix, ”he delved into his opinion.
In addition, due to the material used to compete on the pavés, the runner’s kilos are downplayed. “Wider tubes (30 millimeters) are used. As a result, there is less impact force on the bike and weight is less important”, argued the legendary classicist. “Anyone who rides at that level can win Paris-Roubaix.”
A four-time winner of the iconic monument, Boonen is a voice empowered to cast a realistic picture of Pogacar’s chances of succeeding there. He certainly does not compare other factors of influence such as luck -which either plays in favor or against-, but as far as the physical section is concerned, at least from his perspective, there are no impediments for Tadej to aspire to the victory.
Alejandro Matiz
Do you like what we do? SFollow us on Instagram and Twitter
Join facebook: International Cycling
Copyright © 2012-2023 International Cycling. All Rights Reserved