Paris-Roubaix 2024: Van Der Poel's Third-Place Finish, Pogacar Lags

Natalie Brooks

5 min read

Post on May 26, 2025

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Mathieu van der Poel's Podium Performance

Strategic Riding and Tactical Prowess

Mathieu van der Poel's third-place finish in the 2024 Paris-Roubaix was a testament to his strategic riding and tactical prowess. His race strategy was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He didn't lead the pack relentlessly, instead choosing calculated moments to attack and conserve energy.

• Key Moments: Van der Poel cleverly positioned himself in the peloton during the early stages, avoiding unnecessary energy expenditure on less challenging sections. His key attacks came on the Carrefour de l'Arbre and Mons-en-Pévèle sections, where he expertly used the chaotic nature of the cobblestones to his advantage.
• Successful Maneuvers: He skillfully navigated the treacherous cobblestone sections, demonstrating exceptional bike handling skills and a deep understanding of the course. His ability to anticipate and react to sudden changes in pace and terrain proved invaluable.
• Equipment and Support: Van der Poel's choice of equipment played a significant role in his success. His bike setup, tire selection (likely opting for durable, puncture-resistant tires), and the seamless support from his team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, ensured he was optimally prepared for the race's brutal conditions.
• Performance Comparison: Compared to his previous Paris-Roubaix races, this year saw a more calculated and controlled approach from Van der Poel. While he hasn't previously won the race, his consistent top-ten finishes showcased his prowess, and this third-place finish further solidified his reputation as a serious contender.

Overcoming Challenges on the Cobblestones

The cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix are notorious for causing punctures, crashes, and mechanical failures. Van der Poel's ability to overcome these challenges highlighted his exceptional skill and experience.

• Sections of Excellence: He demonstrated exceptional bike-handling skills on notoriously difficult sections such as the Trouée d'Arenberg and the Carrefour de l'Arbre, maintaining speed and control despite the rough terrain.
• Bike Handling and Experience: His experience racing on cobblestones, honed through numerous Classics races, was evident in his smooth transitions and confident handling of his bike. This experience allowed him to anticipate obstacles and react swiftly, avoiding many of the crashes that plagued other riders.
• Comparison to Other Riders: While many riders struggled to maintain their momentum on specific sections, Van der Poel displayed remarkable control and consistency. This highlighted his superior bike handling skills compared to some of his competitors.

Tadej Pogacar's Underwhelming Race

Factors Contributing to Pogacar's Performance

Tadej Pogacar's performance in the 2024 Paris-Roubaix fell short of expectations. Several factors likely contributed to his underwhelming race.

• Potential Reasons: While official statements haven't pinpointed the exact cause, speculation points towards a potential lack of experience on the notoriously rough cobblestone sections. Additionally, a minor illness or tactical errors could have played a role in his performance.
• Team Strategy: His team's strategy might have lacked the specific approach required for a race as challenging as Paris-Roubaix. Perhaps a more conservative approach, focusing on preserving energy for the latter stages, could have yielded a better result.
• Performance Comparison: Comparing his performance to previous Classics races, it was clear that this year's Paris-Roubaix presented a different challenge for Pogacar, highlighting the need for specialized training and experience in this type of race.

Key Moments of Struggle

Several key moments during the race contributed to Pogacar's poor performance.

• Significant Setbacks: He appeared to lose significant ground during the Carrefour de l'Arbre and Mons-en-Pévèle sections, areas known for their high intensity and difficulty.
• Incidents and Mechanical Issues: Though no major mechanical failures were reported, minor incidents – perhaps a near-miss or a momentary loss of position – likely accumulated, significantly affecting his final time.
• Reaction to Setbacks: Pogacar's reaction to the setbacks seemed to be characterized by difficulty regaining momentum, indicating a potential struggle with the intensity and demands of the race.

The Significance of the 2024 Paris-Roubaix Results

The 2024 Paris-Roubaix results hold significant implications for the cycling world.

• UCI World Ranking: The race results will undoubtedly impact the overall UCI World Ranking, with Van der Poel likely gaining valuable points and moving up the leaderboard.
• Implications for Upcoming Races: The race serves as a strong indicator of form and potential going into other upcoming Classics, influencing predictions and expectations for future competitions.
• Emerging Contenders: This year's race also provided a platform for lesser-known riders to show their prowess, potentially emerging as future contenders for the title.
• Future Paris-Roubaix Races: The 2024 race suggests an ongoing rivalry between Van der Poel and others, creating anticipation for future Paris-Roubaix races and exciting predictions.

Conclusion

The 2024 Paris-Roubaix delivered a thrilling race showcasing Van der Poel’s resilience and tactical brilliance resulting in a well-deserved podium finish. Pogacar’s performance, however, highlighted the unique challenges of this classic race and the need for specific expertise to conquer the “Hell of the North.”

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