Tour de France champion Pogacar targets Paris-Roubaix’s cobbled ‘hell’

Tour de France champion Pogacar targets Paris-Roubaix’s cobbled ‘hell’
UAE Team Emirates team’s Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar wearing the best young rider’s white jersey (R) cycles across a cobblestone sector with the pack of riders during the 5th stage of the 109th edition of the Tour de France cycling race, between Lille and Arenberg Porte du Hainaut, in France, in 2022. (AFP/File)
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Updated 26 March 2025
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Tour de France champion Pogacar targets Paris-Roubaix’s cobbled ‘hell’

Tour de France champion Pogacar targets Paris-Roubaix’s cobbled ‘hell’
  • “It was initially planned for Tadej Pogacar to participate in both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem,” read UAE’s statement
  • Mauro Gianetti, UAE team manager, highlighted their concerns for the best paid member of the peloton

PARIS: Three-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar will race the notorious Paris-Roubaix, known as the ‘Hell of the North’ for its treacherous cobbled mining roads, for the first time, his team UAE announced on Wednesday.
Of the five big one-day races known as ‘Monuments’, Paris-Roubaix is the least suited to the Slovenian’s slender frame and adding that title would confirm his growing status as one of the all-time greats.
He will be the first reigning Tour de France champion to tackle what is often a mudfest since Greg Lemond in 1991 — the American finished 55th.
Cycling legends Bernard Hinault and Eddy Merckx also tried to win the one-day race in 1982 and 1975 respectively, a year after winning the Tour de France.
Neither was successful although Merckx finished second, edged out on the line by Roger De Vlaeminck. However, they both achieved perhaps an even greater feat in landing the two races in the same year, with Merckx doing the double in 1970 and Hinault in 1981.
Victory on April 13 would set Pogacar up nicely to join that elite duo.
He already has seven Monument victories to his credit, including the 2023 Tour of Flanders.
Pogacar has also won Il Lombardia each of the last four years and Liege-Bastogne-Liege twice.
“It was initially planned for Tadej Pogacar to participate in both the E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem,” read UAE’s statement.
“However, after discussions with the team, it has been decided that he will adjust his calendar to focus on the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix instead, aiming for peak form in those iconic races.”
The change of plan is a victory for Pogacar, who has said he prefers the one-day races to multi-stage ones, as he had argued to compete in the Paris-Roubaix, against the wishes of the team directors who were concerned about the possibility of injury.
Paris-Roubaix is considered the most dangerous race of them all owing to its six million cobble stones, many of them uneven, which has resulted in serious injuries to the riders.
Mauro Gianetti, UAE team manager, highlighted their concerns for the best paid member of the peloton — he is believed to earn 8 million euros ($8.6 million) a year — in the one-day races after he had fallen in the Strade Bianche before getting back up to win it.
“A bad fall could put a question mark over his competing in the Tour de France and maybe the rest of the season,” said Gianetti.
“He has enough time in his career to ride in the Paris-Roubaix.”
However, his decision, after finishing third in the Milan-San Remo, delighted Paris-Roubaix race director Thierry Gouvenou.
“It is a huge moment for cycling,” said Gouvenou.
“It has been a long time since we had a Tour de France winner who is a genuine contender to win the Paris-Roubaix.
“He is going to face a challenge suited to his talent.”
Gouvenou, though, believes Pogacar is up against it with rivals like Milan-San Remo winner Mathieu van der Poel, Belgian Wout Van Aert and Italy’s Filippo Ganna.
“If Van der Poel is at the top of his game, it will be very difficult for Pogacar,” said Gouvenou.
“He is going to race on a route that is not suited to him.
“If ever he wins Paris-Roubaix it will be against the odds. But that is what we all expect: to see champions up against it.
“This race could make him even greater than he is now.”
Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme said Pogacar’s bid was a bold move.
“That he dares take this risk in a year he wants to win the Tour is a bold move. It’ll be a hell of a fight. I can’t wait to see it.”


Top F1 qualifiers face intense competition in Jeddah

Top F1 qualifiers face intense competition in Jeddah
Updated 14 sec ago
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Top F1 qualifiers face intense competition in Jeddah

Top F1 qualifiers face intense competition in Jeddah

Jeddah: After Max Verstappen secured pole position in the top qualifiers for the F1 Saudi Arabian GP on Saturday night, the leading three drivers said that the competition was very intense for Sunday’s race.

Speaking to the media during the post-qualifying conference, Verstappen (Red Bull Racing), Oscar Piastri (McLaren), and George Russell (Mercedes) discussed how optimistic they were for Sunday’s race and other challenges.

“I am very happy,” Verstappen said. “I definitely didn’t expect to be on pole here after FP3 as well and looking at how the whole weekend was. We made some final changes, and it was a lot more enjoyable to drive.”

Speaking about Sunday’s race, Verstappen said: “I think in the race it will be tough to keep them behind, but we’re going to give it a good go.”

“It is much better than what we had in Bahrain, of course. And, yeah, let’s see what we can do tomorrow in the race,” he added.

Russell said: “If Oscar gets into the lead, you’ll probably see a repeat of Bahrain. If we stay in the order we qualified, I think it could be a tight race until the pit stops.”

Meanwhile, Piastri said that it would be a long and tough race. “I’m happy with the job I did,” he said. “I think it was playing catch-up a little bit through the first part of qualifying and then, yeah, that last lap felt more or less like the best I could have done. So, you know, I think Max has done a good job.”

He added: “Yes, we will fight hard for the final. I think our pace is good. It’s going to be a tough race and the tires are a bit softer than last year, so we’ll see if that plays to our advantage.”

The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is known for its high-speed turns, creating challenges for drivers. All three top qualifiers emphasized the need for rhythm and precision on the track.


Lewandowski injury confirmed in blow to Barca quadruple bid

Lewandowski injury confirmed in blow to Barca quadruple bid
Updated 18 min 14 sec ago
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Lewandowski injury confirmed in blow to Barca quadruple bid

Lewandowski injury confirmed in blow to Barca quadruple bid
  • Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was diagnosed with a hamstring injury on Sunday and is set to miss the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinal according to Spanish media reports

BARCELONA: Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski was diagnosed with a hamstring injury on Sunday and is set to miss the Copa del Rey final and Champions League semifinal according to Spanish media reports.
The 36-year-old Polish forward, Barcelona’s top goalscorer with 40 goals across all competitions, came off during his team’s 4-3 La Liga win over Celta Vigo on Saturday.
“Tests carried out on Sunday have confirmed that first-team player Robert Lewandowski has a semitendinosus injury in his left thigh,” said Barcelona in a statement, without specifying how long he would be sidelined for.
Spanish media reported Lewandowski could be out for three weeks, meaning he would not be available next Saturday as Barcelona face Real Madrid in the Copa final in Seville.
The La Liga leaders also host Inter Milan on April 30 in the Champions League semifinal first leg, and visit the Italians on May 6.
Lewandowski is set to miss league games against Mallorca on Tuesday and Valladolid on May 3, with a potential return against Real Madrid on May 11, a match which could decide the title race.
Barcelona, who won the Spanish Super Cup in January, are chasing a potential quadruple and are in the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2019.
Coach Hansi Flick has used Ferran Torres through the middle as a replacement for Lewandowski before, and has also experimented with Dani Olmo operating as a false nine.


Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034

Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034
Updated 20 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034

Saudi Arabia open to 64-team World Cup in 2034
  • Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal told a select group of reporters at the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah that his country would have no objection to do so

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia would be ready and willing to host a 64-team World Cup in 2034 if FIFA accepts a controversial proposal to expand the tournament from 48, according to the kingdom’s sports minister.
South America’s CONMEBOL has officially suggested staging the centenary 2030 World Cup in Spain, Portugal and Morocco with 64 teams but the idea has been opposed by some other continental confederations.
Next year’s tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico will have 48 countries participating, up from 32 in 2022.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal told a select group of reporters at the Saudi Arabian Formula One Grand Prix in Jeddah that his country would have no objection to an increase in the numbers for 2034.
“We’re ready, or we will be ready, inshallah (God willing). If that’s a decision that FIFA takes and thinks that that’s a good decision for everyone, then we’re more than happy to deliver on it,” he said.
He pointed to the infrastructure already in place for Islamic pilgrims, with four million people attending Makkah for Umrah during Ramadan this year and five million expected for the Hajj.
The global football governing body officially announced Saudi Arabia as hosts of the 2034 men’s World Cup in December.
The bid book pledged 15 stadiums, new or refurbished, by 2032 and which are expected to be completed with help of migrant labor.
Al-Faisal said worker safety was of the highest priority and Saudi organizers were talking regularly with FIFA and 2022 hosts and neighbors Qatar, the first World Cup in the region, to learn from their experience.
“We’ve had more than 100 international events so far. We’ve had people come from all over the world to attend these sporting events. And everyone’s happy with the hospitality, the setup, the experience that they get,” he added.


Al-Jazira stun star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli and take ADIB Cup final glory

Al-Jazira stun star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli and take ADIB Cup final glory
Updated 20 April 2025
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Al-Jazira stun star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli and take ADIB Cup final glory

Al-Jazira stun star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli and take ADIB Cup final glory
  • A 2-1 win for the underdogs at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium proved worthy of the pre-match hype

AL-AIN: Abdullah Ramadan’s remarkable 40-yard wonder strike and fancy footwork from ex-Fulham winger Neeskens Kebano helped fire underdogs Al-Jazira to a deserved 2-1 ADIB Cup final victory against star-studded Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club on Saturday night.

Hazza bin Zayed Stadium was a fitting setting for Saturday’s epic showpiece between two heavyweights of the UAE game. On the day, Sharjah’s serial winner Cosmin Olaroiu was confirmed as new national team head coach, prize midfielder Ramadan shook off an injury-ravaged campaign and generated a jaw-dropping reminder of his mesmerising talents on 18 minutes by blasting in from range.

This slender advantage for Adnoc Pro League’s distant sixth-placed side against the runaway leaders would evaporate five minutes into the second half when prolific Iranian forward Sardar Azmoun followed up his own effort to level. But the momentum of Paulo Sousa’s men was immediately checked on 55 minutes when DR Congo flyer Kebano produced a series of beguiling stepovers and lashed into the bottom corner.

Shabab Al-Ahli continued to predictably boss possession with 62 percent, and attempts on goal (17-9), although theynever truly looked like mounting a comeback to avoid this term’s first domestic defeat. The final whistle handed the spirited Pride of Abu Dhabi their second ADIB Cup crown and just third trophy since the 2017-2018 season off.

Arab News looks at some key talking points from the decider:

 

A new era for Jazira

The 2024-2025 season has been a time of change for Jazira.

Club legend and record goal scorer Ali Mabkhout made a high-profile summer departure to Al-Nasr, while they began this campaign without a permanent Dutch manager at the helm for the first time since Brazilian Abel Braga’s mistaken summer 2015 return. Bold calls that have not always appeared judicious via mixed fortunes under Morocco’s Hussein Ammouta.

This, however, felt like a fork in the road. Big-name stars stood up tall, France’s World Cup 2018 winning playmaker Nabil Fekir oozed class with every silky touch and ex-Arsenal stalwart Mohamed Elneny battled hard from an unfamiliar centre-back role.

Ammouta’s residual capacity to inspire, as shown with shock 2023 AFC Asian Cup finalists Jordan, was also on display. Heroes emerged across the pitch — including starlets Mamadou Coulibaly, Vinicius Mello, Ravil Tagir and Ilyass Lagrimi.

This could be the start of something very special.

 

Shabab Al-Ahli continue to stumble at the finishing line

Another big game, another big disappointment for Shabab Al-Ahli.

ADIB Cup final defeat follows elimination in the AFC Champions League Elite play-off round to Qatar’s unexceptional Al-Gharafa and penalty shootout defeat to rivals Sharjah in the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

This campaign could finish with the Adnoc Pro League, President’s Cup, Qatar–UAE Challenge Shield and Emaar Super Cup trophies residing at Rashid Stadium. Yet there is a sense of immense potential being left unfulfilled.

UAE wide men Yahya Al-Ghassani and unused substitute Harib Abdalla could certainly use some more game time, while fellow international Sultan Adil may further freshen up their attack after a lengthy absence.

A monstrous 11-point league gap — albeit with second-placed Sharjah holding a game in hand — gives opportunity for experimentation.

 

A final worthy of the fanfare

Pre-match ceremonies often feel like duds after kick-off.

This engrossing final, however, most certainly was not.

Early entertainment sparked by traditional dancers allied with booming pyrotechnics before kick-off reached its high point upon the novel sight of sponsors ADIB’s ATM dispensing the match ball. Nobody watching felt short-changed about what followed.

Styles make fights and Jazira’s counter-punching approach took the shine off glittering Shabab Al-Ahli.

Urged on by a strong crowd in Al-Ain, this was a chance for UAE football to show off. It surely did.

 


Basketball legends hail impact of Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after conclusion of fourth edition

Basketball legends hail impact of Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after conclusion of fourth edition
Updated 20 April 2025
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Basketball legends hail impact of Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after conclusion of fourth edition

Basketball legends hail impact of Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after conclusion of fourth edition
  • Arab News spoke to NBA legends Danny Green and Gary Payton after last week’s event at NYU Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: Basketball legends Danny Green and Gary Payton praised the impact of the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League after it recently concluded its fourth edition with the finals event at NYU Abu Dhabi.

The competition was launched in November by the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi and the National Basketball Association.

At the closing ceremony, Green and Payton presented awards to the champions of the fourth annual Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League, including the Raha International School Khalifa City Campus (Dallas Mavericks), the British International School (Milwaukee Bucks), ADQ (Golden State Warriors) and the ADQ (Boston Celtics).  The associate vice president for global partnerships at NBA Europe & Middle East, David Watts, was also present at the event.

This season the Jr NBA Abu Dhabi League expanded to four leagues and 122 teams, with 1,830 players from Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain participating. The program is part of a multiyear partnership between the NBA and DCT Abu Dhabi, which has included six preseason NBA games in Abu Dhabi since 2022.

The Jr NBA is the NBA’s global youth basketball program for boys and girls, focused on teaching fundamental skills and core values of the game — teamwork, respect, determination, and community — at the grassroots level. The league aims to promote these values and inspire youth to lead an active and healthy lifestyle through participation in sport.

Arab News spoke to Green and Payton after the event.

 

Danny Green

As a three-time NBA champion, what does it mean to you to see programs like the Jr NBA inspiring young athletes here in Abu Dhabi?

It truly means a lot. I remember being a kid with big dreams, and basketball gave me the opportunity to travel the world — to visit places I only imagined. Being in Abu Dhabi now, and seeing how the game is growing here, is incredibly humbling. The fact that young players are picking up a basketball because they’ve watched me play — that’s something I never expected. It’s surreal, and honestly one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

 

How important is it for you to help develop not just basketball skills, but also values like teamwork and respect, which the Jr NBA emphasizes?

It’s huge. The reality is not everyone will make it to the NBA — but the lessons you learn through basketball go way beyond the court. Things like leadership, communication, respect, and doing things the right way — those are values that apply to life in general. Those lessons translate into life and any career path. The leadership, the camaraderie, the ability to work with others — those are universal skills that can help shape your future in a meaningful way.

 

From your experience visiting Abu Dhabi, what potential do you see for basketball culture to grow in this region?

There’s real potential here. Every basketball nation has a starting point — look at France or Serbia, countries that weren’t always seen as global forces in the game. Now they’re among the best. Growth takes time, but with the passion I’ve seen in Abu Dhabi, and with initiatives like the Jr. NBA, there’s no doubt this region can become a serious player in the basketball world down the line. This is how it begins.

 

What advice would you give to young players who dream of following in your footsteps and making it to the NBA one day?

My biggest advice is: don’t give up. Stay focused, stay persistent, and don’t take no for an answer. Use your resources, work hard, and believe in yourself. I came from a small town in Long Island — nothing was handed to me. If I could make it, so can you. And it’s not always about being the most talented or athletic — look at guys like Steph Curry or Steve Nash. They weren’t the biggest or fastest, but they perfected their craft. If you’re putting in the work while others are sleeping, you’re already ahead.

 

Gary Payton

You played the game with incredible passion and grit — how important is it for young Jr NBA players here in Abu Dhabi to develop that same mindset early?

You know, that kind of mindset — the hunger to compete and love the game — has to come from within. You can’t force it on anyone. Kids have to grow into it and decide for themselves how much they want it. What helps is putting them in a competitive environment. When they’re on the floor, going up against each other, something clicks. They start wanting to win, they feel that drive — and that’s when the mindset starts to form. My advice is not to push kids into something they don’t love. Instead, create the space for them to be challenged and discover that passion for themselves.

As someone who came through tough basketball environments, how do you view the impact of organized grassroots leagues like the Jr NBA on a young athlete’s life?

Leagues like the Jr. NBA are everything for these kids. We're dealing with a different generation now — one that needs more structure, more guidance. That’s why having an organized system like this is so important. It teaches them how to play the right way, how to grow as competitors, and how to adapt to the way the game is constantly evolving. You only get better when you play against the best — and programs like this bring that level of competition and structure to young players in countries around the world. It gives them something to strive for.

What has impressed you most about the talent or enthusiasm you’ve seen from the kids here in Abu Dhabi?

What stands out to me is their passion and willingness to learn. You can see it — they’re not just here to play for fun, a lot of them truly want to understand the game. And with the NBA bringing preseason games to the region and showing up in person, it’s helping these kids realize that this game is real, that it's something they can dream about and work toward. They watch these players on TV, use them on video games — and now they’re seeing them live, right here. That fuels their ambition. The skill level and potential I’ve seen here is impressive, and that’s why the NBA is investing in this region.

If you could give one piece of advice to the Jr NBA players today about chasing success both on and off the court, what would it be?

Honestly, my first piece of advice is about life off the court. Because the reality is, not everyone will make it to the NBA — and that’s the truth. So it’s about being well rounded. Focus on school, focus on your books. You can be successful in so many ways — not just through basketball. You can be great in business, in art, in anything you put your mind to. Basketball might not be the path life has planned for you, and that’s OK. But whatever you do, set goals and work hard, both on the court and off. Have something you’re striving for, no matter where life takes you.