Tadej Pogačar caused a stir at his first start in Paris-Roubaix - not only with his sporting performance, but also with an unusual accessory. During the infamous cobblestone classic, the Slovenian wore a luxury watch from the Richard Mille brand with an estimated value of over 300,000 euros. The chronometer, weighing just 32 grams, survived the ordeal on the pavé sectors, but left clear marks on Pogačar's left wrist. Even before his crash, which cost him victory around 40 kilometres before the finish, abrasions and traces of blood were visible on the UAE captain's wrist.
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The constant jolts on the bumpy cobbled sections had apparently caused friction between the watch and Pogačar's skin. Despite the visible wounds, the Tour de France winner didn't let himself get rattled and fought his way to an impressive second place in the Roubaix velodrome.
Luxury watches with cycling stars
The partnership between Tadej Pogačar and Richard Mille has only just begun. a few months old. The Slovenian is not the only rider in the peloton to be equipped with such an expensive watch from Richard Mille. Paris-Roubaix winner Mathieu van der Poel also wore a Richard Mille watch in the race. However, the Dutchman seemed to have fewer problems with his model - he literally flew over the cobblestones to defend his title and left no visible marks on his wrist.
Tadej Pogačar's debut at Paris-Roubaix
It was Tadej Pogačar's first start at the "Hell of the North". The 26-year-old Slovenian had prepared meticulously for his debut and was considered the top favourite alongside defending champion van der Poel. Pogačar was able to keep up with van der Poel for a long time before a crash around 40 kilometres before the finish ruined his chances of victory. The two-time Tour de France winner lost touch with van der Poel. With an impressive chase to catch up, Pogačar fought his way back to second place, but was no longer able to jeopardise van der Poel. "It was a tough race, but I enjoyed it," explained Pogačar at the finish. "I think I will be back. But I don't want to think about next year yet, I still have some goals before then."
