Episode 175: Matej Mohoric with an eye on Paris-Roubaix

In this episode of King of the Ride, host Ted King welcomes back professional cyclist Matej Mohorich on the eve of the 2026 Paris-Roubaix, reflecting on his eighth-place finish at Flanders and the evolving nature of modern cycling. Mohorich offers an insider’s view into the meticulous preparation behind the Northern Classics, detailing how teams now rely on year-round planning, 3D bike fittings, and exhaustive reconstructions starting as early as December. He emphasizes the shift from chaotic, unpredictable racing to a hyper-strategic, data-driven model where teams like UAE and Alpecin use early aggression to eliminate rivals and control the peloton. The conversation dives into technological advancements—particularly tubeless tires and low-pressure setups—that allow riders to maintain 60–70 km/h speeds over cobbles, drastically reducing the ability to recover in the back. Mohorich also discusses nutrition strategies, the role of team mechanics, and how even minor details like pillow choice (highlighted via a sponsor plug) can impact recovery. Despite the precision, he acknowledges the human element: fatigue, positioning, and the occasional surprise still shape outcomes. Key takeaways include the importance of sleep as a performance upgrade, the strategic necessity of early race aggression to control pacing, the transformative role of tubeless tires in maintaining speed on cobbles, and the value of consistent, data-backed nutrition. Mohorich’s insights reveal that while modern cycling is more calculated than ever, the sport remains a battle of physical and mental endurance, where preparation meets unpredictability. The episode closes with a lighthearted nod to gravel racing, drawing parallels between Roubaix’s brutal terrain and gravel events—though with higher speeds and longer distances.