'He will be unstoppable, but it is still possible' Paris-Roubaix director weighs-in on favourites

It is time for perhaps the most beautiful race of the year, namely Paris-Roubaix. In the Hell of the North, greats such as Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar, Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert will once again cross wheels. But who is the favourite to win Paris-Roubaix 2026? Thierry Gouvenou, race director of Paris-Roubaix, looks ahead.

'I think last year we had a lot of doubts about whether Tadej Pogačar would reach the level needed for Paris-Roubaix,' the Frenchman told Cyclism'Actu, among others. Gouvenou then watched in amazement as the world champion proved that he can compete for the win at the Hell of the North.

To keep him from that so fiercely coveted victory, the race director this year looks primarily at one person. 'A very good Mathieu van der Poel will be needed to be able to compete with him. I think Pogačar will arrive at the start with a burning desire, almost an obsession, to win this race, and that he will be unstoppable. But it is still possible.'

However, Gouvenou sees some uncertainties for the Slovenian. 'Especially because it is probably the race that suits him least: it is very flat and requires enormous physical power. But mentally we have already seen that he is very strong, especially in Milan-San Remo.' There Pogačar crashed, but still managed to win La Primavera for the first time.

Paris-Roubaix is now the last Monument that Pogi wants to add to his palmarès. Regardless of the outcome on Sunday, Gouvenou is already pleased with his presence. 'It is excellent for cycling, both in terms of media attention and for the public. His starting position, without a guarantee of victory, creates incredible tension.'

How much of a chance does Pogačar actually have at Paris Roubaix? 'Various factors could work to his disadvantage, particularly the weather conditions', said Gouvenou. 'If it is dry, that could be in his favour. On the other hand, with a headwind he could find it harder to make the difference.'

The race organiser explains further: 'In rain, cyclocross skills become essential, and riders like Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel generally feel more comfortable than him on the cobbles in those conditions.' The weather forecasts indicate a small chance of rain for Sunday.

A final verdict, Thierry? 'Today, we can assume that Mathieu van der Poel on this terrain still has a small advantage over Pogačar,'.

Discover what the IDL Pro Cycling team think in our complete men's Paris Roubaix 2026 preview.