Peter Sagan, one of cycling’s most iconic figures, has brushed off comparisons between his own illustrious career and the incredible success of Tadej Pogačar, stating that their achievements are “incomparable.” Sagan, a three-time World Champion and seven-time winner of the Tour de France green jersey, was responding to media questions about how his legacy stacks up against that of Pogačar, the Slovenian rider who has taken the cycling world by storm with his two Tour de France victories and dominance in both stage races and classics.
“It is incomparable,” Sagan remarked when asked about the parallels between their careers. He acknowledged Pogačar’s immense talent and achievements but emphasized that their paths in cycling have been very different. Sagan built his reputation as a dominant force in one-day races, sprint finishes, and points classifications, excelling in races like Paris-Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders, and the World Championships. His showmanship and versatility made him a fan favorite, but his strengths have primarily been in shorter races and sprints, while Pogačar has made his mark as a Grand Tour general classification rider.
“Tadej is doing something amazing in stage races, especially in the mountains and time trials. That was never my specialty,” Sagan admitted. He added that the cycling landscape has changed significantly since he emerged as a top rider over a decade ago, with riders like Pogačar representing a new generation of all-around talents who can compete at the highest level in almost any terrain.
Sagan, now in the later stages of his career, praised Pogačar for his aggressive racing style and ability to excel in both Grand Tours and one-day classics. “He’s a great champion, but we are different types of riders,” Sagan said, making it clear that while comparisons are inevitable, the legacies of both riders should be viewed in their own unique contexts.
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