"The key is that we support one another in achieving victory": Pogacar's teammate remains non-committal ahead of Paris-Roubaix
It’s now confirmed: Tadej Pogacar will make his return to the challenging route of Paris-Roubaix next year. This will mark only the second time the Slovenian cyclist attempts to conquer what is often referred to as the "Hell of the North." Competing against him will be Mathieu van der Poel, who has claimed victory in the past three editions of this grueling race, making it clear that Pogacar will face significant competition, including from within his own team.
Florian Vermeersch, a prominent figure in the world of cycling and a top contender at Paris-Roubaix, finished fifth in the race in 2025 despite not being the leader of UAE Team Emirates—Pogacar secured second place at the velodrome that day. In the muddy conditions of 2021, Vermeersch showcased his talent by finishing second to Sonny Colbrelli, even outpacing Van der Poel in the process.
Given Vermeersch's impressive track record, many might expect him to play a crucial supporting role for Pogacar as they pursue their shared goal of winning Roubaix. However, Vermeersch hints that he is also eyeing his own chances should the opportunity arise.
In his comments to Sporza, he made his position clear. While the aim is to secure a victory for UAE Team Emirates, Vermeersch believes it is vital for both riders to assist each other while remaining open to the possibility of individual success when the time is right. "I believe Tadej would want me to win as well," Vermeersch stated confidently. "I certainly won’t obstruct him. Frankly, I don’t possess the character or status to do that. I’m not concerned about him racing alongside me. We have a solid relationship, and I think he would support my chance to win Paris-Roubaix."
Vermeersch goes on to express confidence in their partnership, stating, "I still believe there will be moments where our strengths can really complement one another. The most crucial aspect is that we allow each other the opportunity to claim victory," underscoring their aspirations for this notoriously challenging monument of cycling.
Looking Beyond Roubaix
Vermeersch didn’t stop at discussing Roubaix; he also spoke about his ambitions for the upcoming 2026 season. "I’m eager to compete in the Classics. Milano–Sanremo is high on my list this year, and I consider it a priority. Following that, I’ve set my sights on participating in a Grand Tour, likely the Giro d’Italia. I’m genuinely excited about it. The Tour de France is always one of the first races I inquire about, but my current focus is on the Giro, which I have yet to ride. Ultimately, my biggest goal is to experience a Grand Tour," he concluded.
Interestingly, while Vermeersch eyes the Giro, Pogacar’s plans for Grand Tours in 2026 currently revolve solely around the Tour de France. Nevertheless, UAE Team Emirates is still targeting the prestigious pink jersey, with Joao Almeida looking to seize his opportunity in Italy. In 2023, Almeida was just over a minute shy of the overall victor, Primoz Roglic. Additionally, during his debut in 2020, Almeida held the Maglia Rosa for two weeks before ultimately finishing in fourth place overall.
However, Almeida’s history in Grand Tours has been marred by several withdrawals, making it essential for him to have a robust support system in the form of Florian Vermeersch to help mitigate these issues in future competitions.
