Tadej Pogačar’s dominance in the cycling world has sparked heated debates, with many considering him one of the greatest cyclists in history. Recently, José De Cauwer, a respected cycling commentator and former team manager, added fuel to the discussion by stating that he already ranks Pogačar as the second-best cyclist of all time, just behind the legendary Eddy Merckx. De Cauwer’s bold claim reflects the growing sentiment that Pogačar is redefining modern cycling with his extraordinary talent and achievements at such a young age.
“Pogačar is special. I already put him in second place, behind Eddy Merckx,” De Cauwer said, pointing to the Slovenian rider’s versatility, consistency, and ability to dominate across various terrains and race formats. In a sport where specialization often defines careers, Pogačar’s ability to excel in both Grand Tours and one-day Classics sets him apart. With two Tour de France victories, three Monument wins, and a range of other impressive performances, Pogačar’s palmarès are already staggering, and he’s only in his mid-twenties.
Comparing any cyclist to Eddy Merckx, who is widely regarded as the greatest of all time with over 500 professional victories, is a high bar. However, Pogačar’s unique blend of climbing prowess, time-trialing skills, and sprinting abilities makes the comparison increasingly valid. Like Merckx, Pogačar has an aggressive racing style and the ability to win from almost any situation, a characteristic that has earned him the admiration of fans and fellow riders alike.
De Cauwer’s praise is not without merit. In addition to his physical abilities, Pogačar’s tactical intelligence and fearlessness in the face of fierce competition have made him a true “patron” of the peloton, as seen in his leadership during races like the Tour de France and his recent performances in the Classics.
While it may still be too early to definitively rank Pogačar in the all-time cycling hierarchy, his trajectory suggests that he could very well continue closing the gap to Merckx. If his career continues on this path, the question might soon be not whether Pogačar is among the greatest, but if he could eventually surpass Merckx as the best cyclist in history.
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