Breaking News: Is Tadej Pogačar the greatest cyclist who’s ever lived? Plus we ask: What’s going on with cycling media in 2024?….

Tadej Pogačar has made a significant mark in cycling, particularly with his two Tour de France victories and his ability to contend in both one-day classics and Grand Tours. At just 25, he’s won major titles such as Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Il Lombardia, and multiple stages of the Tour, showcasing versatility rarely seen in cycling. His aggressive, attacking style has drawn comparisons to legends like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. However, calling him the greatest cyclist ever might be premature. Merckx, for instance, won 11 Grand Tours, five Monuments, and dominated cycling for over a decade.

Pogačar’s case for greatness is certainly building, but longevity and adaptability are key. He’s dominating in an era of stiff competition, particularly from Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel, and how he evolves through injuries, team dynamics, and aging will define his legacy. To be “the greatest,” Pogačar will need more than Tour victories; he’ll need to redefine the boundaries of what a cyclist can achieve over time, much like Merckx did.

Meanwhile, in 2024, cycling media finds itself at a crossroads. The sport’s increasing globalization, and the rise of streaming platforms and social media, have shifted how cycling is covered. Media outlets are diversifying their content to appeal to new markets, particularly in North America and Asia. However, this has resulted in some tensions. Traditional European outlets are losing influence, and a more fragmented landscape is emerging, with specialized websites and independent journalists gaining ground. Moreover, controversies over performance-enhancing technologies and rider health are pushing journalists to probe deeper into issues previously sidelined, like the use of carbon monoxide rebreathers or advancements in recovery protocols. Cycling media in 2024 reflects the evolving nature of the sport itself, both in terms of competition and coverage.