Paris-Roubaix race organiser Thierry Gouvenou has predicted a close battle between Tadej Pogačar and his rivals in his debut in the Hell of the North, arguing that the 55.3 kilometres of pavé itself will be one of the biggest challenges for the Tour of Flanders winner.
Speaking at the traditional recon of the cobbled sectors of the Paris-Roubaix route on the Tuesday before the race, Gouvenou said that Pogačar's mere participation in his rainbow jersey was a huge moment for Paris-Roubaix history. The previous defending World Champion to do so was Greg LeMond in 1991.
