Now it's official: Tadej Pogacar will race the Paris-Roubaix for the first time in his career. Last night, UAE Emirates announced the world champion's withdrawal from E3 and this morning, by confirming the lineup that will compete in the Belgian classic led by Tim Welklens, the Emirates team writes: "Initially, Tadej Pogačar was scheduled to participate in both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem. However, after discussing with the team, it was decided that he would modify his calendar to focus instead on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, aiming for peak form in those iconic races."

In recent weeks, Pogacar has conducted reconnaissance practically on the entire Paris-Roubaix route, felt he could be competitive on the cobblestones, and has increasingly begun to seriously consider a challenge that on paper is not the most suitable for his characteristics. The UAE team principal Mauro Gianetti had not hidden his opposition to Pogacar's participation in the "stones classic", but evidently the rider's determination has prevailed.