No E3 and Gent–Wevelgem, but Roubaix: UAE explains how a teasing Pogacar had already chosen to debut during the UAE Tour

Matxin, sports director at UAE Emirates-XRG, put a (provisional) end to the speculation last week on Relevo. "The decision for Paris-Roubaix has already been made. At least from a sports perspective, the team has yet to communicate it. Everything you are hearing and reading now is speculation. Our communications department will be responsible for the task when it comes out," the Spaniard said. The rumors surrounding Pogacar in Paris-Roubaix started swirling when he allowed himself to be filmed with Tim Wellens in Trouée d'Arenberg.

Gianetti was a guest on RMC Sport on Monday, which added to the confusion. "Paris-Roubaix will also be held next year and in two and three years. Tadej doesn't have to do it this year. He doesn't have to do everything every year," said the Swiss. "But he can certainly ride on cobblestones. Tadej can compete anywhere. We saw that in the cobblestone stage of the 2022 Tour, where he also participated."

Ultimately, the final call is not up to the team manager but to Pogacar. "If he wants to do it and is up for it, we won't stop him. I don't even want to stop him. How can you stop someone like him from riding Paris-Roubaix?" he wonders out loud. "On the other hand, I don't want to push him either because it's not our priority. Paris-Roubaix, everyone knows: it's not an easy race."

On Tuesday, Pogacar was removed from the provisional start list for the E3 Saxo Classic, and organizer Jacques Coussens confirmed it to Sporza. "A disappointment? There are still a lot of top riders at the start. You also always have to consider cancellations due to injury or illness. In the end, the choice is always up to the riders." On Wednesday, the decision was finalized by his team: "Originally, Tadej would focus on E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem, but he is aiming for top form in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix."

In the Slovenian's absence, UAE has selected Tim Wellens and Florian Vermeersch, while Jhonatan Narváez has also withdrawn from both races. Wellens: "We are approaching the big classics, and I think we can make a difference with this group of riders. As a team, we are very motivated for the coming weeks."

If all goes well, Pogacar will also head to the Ardennes triptych after Roubaix. He will now be there for the Amstel Gold Race, Flèche Wallonne, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. Afterward, the Slovenian will head to his preparatory block for the Tour de France, including the Critérium du Dauphiné.

Filippo Baroncini
Mikkel Bjerg
Sebastian Molano
Rui Oliveira - Gent-Wevelgem only
Antonio Morgado - E3 only
Nils Politt
Florian Vermeersch
Tim Wellens