Van der Poel wins Paris-Roubaix again with Pogačar in second place after late crash

By Canadian Press on April 13, 2025.

ROUBAIX, France (AP) — Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel benefited from Tadej Pogačar’s late crash on Sunday to win the Paris-Roubaix race for the third straight year.

Pogačar’s debut appearance at the one-day classic saw him seeking to become the first Tour de France champion to win it since Bernard Hinault in 1981.

The 259.2-kilometer (161-mile) race is called “The Hell of the North” because of its numerous cobblestone sections and reputation for crashes.

Pogačar found that out with 38 kilometers to go.

The 26-year-old Slovenian was neck-and-neck with Van der Poel when he misjudged a turn on a cobblestone section and went into the crash barriers.

Although he was unhurt, his chain came off and he had to change bikes, losing crucial time. Then, when he punctured with 20 kilometers to go, his victory chances were gone.

The grueling race is one of the five “monuments” in one-day cycling along with Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the Tour of Lombardy, Milan-San Remo and the Tour of Flanders.

Van der Poel and Pogačar have won eight monuments each.

Although Van der Poel had a puncture with 16 kilometers left, he changed bikes without losing much time and entered the Roubaix velodrome all alone.

He bowed his head and then raised three fingers when he crossed the finish line in 5 hours, 31 minutes, 27 seconds.

Pogačar got a loud ovation and waved to the crowd when he finished second, 1 minute, 18 seconds behind. Danish rider Mads Pedersen took third place after a three-way sprint to the line, finishing 2:11 behind Van der Poel.

The 30-year-old Van der Poel added another prestigious win to his glittering career and got the better of Pogačar again after beating him last month at the prestigious Milan-San Remo, which Pogačar has never won.

On Saturday, Pauline Ferrand-Prévôt overcame sickness and a crash to win the Paris-Roubaix women’s race for the first time after a well-timed solo breakaway.

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AP cycling: https://apnews.com/hub/cycling

The Associated Press

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