Tadej Pogacar doesn't just ride bikes—he's rewriting the history books of professional cycling with a dominance that's both awe-inspiring and, let's face it, a little intimidating. Imagine securing victory in the same grueling race five years straight—that's the kind of legacy we're talking about here, and it's making fans everywhere question whether anyone can ever catch up. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this level of supremacy good for the sport, or does it risk turning cycling into a one-man show? Stick around as we dive into the details of his latest triumph, the parts most people miss about his season, and why his records are sparking heated debates among enthusiasts.
Tadej Pogacar clinched his fifth consecutive victory in Il Lombardia, the season's grand finale and one of cycling's most storied Monuments—these are the five toughest and longest single-day races that demand peak endurance and tactical brilliance, like climbing legendary hills and navigating unpredictable weather. By crossing the finish line first in Bergamo, the Slovenian rider matched the legendary Fausto Coppi's streak of wins in this autumn classic, a feat that echoes through the sport's halls of fame.
What makes this even more remarkable is that Pogacar has become the first cyclist since Eddy Merckx back in 1975 to sweep three of these Monuments, while also conquering the Tour de France and claiming the world championship title all in one incredible season. Picture this: a rider blending raw power with strategic genius to outpace the world's best on multiple fronts. For beginners wondering what sets Monuments apart, think of them as the Super Bowls of cycling—epic events that test riders over 200-plus kilometers, often on treacherous terrain that can make or break careers.
The race unfolded dramatically around the 38-kilometer mark of the 241-kilometer course, where Pogacar's UAE Team Emirates squad expertly positioned him for a signature assault on the Passo di Ganda climb. With only Quinn Simmons soloing ahead by about a minute and ten seconds, it was clear the outcome was sealed. Pogacar powered across the line nearly two minutes before Remco Evenepoel, who, fittingly, finished second—just as he had at the recent world and European championships. This consistent runner-up spot against cycling's unrivaled force raises eyebrows: Is Evenepoel destined to be the eternal bridesmaid, or will he find a way to flip the script next time?
Reflecting on his win, Pogacar shared, 'Securing five wins in a row feels surreal. Each time I line up, it seems like this race plays to my strengths, and with such an incredible team backing me, we make it happen. I always joke that every season is my best so far, and this one tops them all.' It's a humble nod to the collective effort, but let's not overlook the individual brilliance that makes him a record-breaker.
At just 27 years old, Pogacar has now bagged 10 Monument victories in total, leaving him just nine short of Merckx's career haul from standout years like 1969, 1971, 1972, and 1975. His unbroken string of wins in the 'Race of the Falling Leaves'—a poetic nickname for Il Lombardia, evoking the colorful autumn scenery—adds another chapter to his impressive resume. Coppi, the Italian icon, managed four straight from 1946 to 1949, with his fifth victory coming later in 1954. Pogacar, ever the innovator, has already etched his name as the first to defend the Tour de France and world titles across two seasons. And get this: He's the pioneer who's stood on the podium for all five Monuments in a single year—a triple threat of skill, stamina, and strategy that's hard to fathom.
This season's highlights kicked off in April with wins at the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he showcased his climbing prowess against tough competitors. He also snagged third in Milan-San Remo and second in Paris-Roubaix, both of which fell to Mathieu van der Poel in thrilling sprints that had fans on the edge of their seats. These results paint a picture of a rider who's not just winning but dominating the calendar, raising questions like: Does this create a fair playing field, or is it time for the peloton to innovate against his tactics?
Supported by a stellar lineup including Isaac del Toro and Adam Yates, Pogacar conserved energy early in the race as Simmons' breakaway gained traction. The American rider launched a bold move on the Passo della Crocetta, stretching his lead to 50 seconds over the chasers and over three minutes ahead of the main pack by the ascent's peak, with more than 70 kilometers to go. The gap stabilized as the initial breakaway was absorbed back into the group, and by the time they hit the Passo di Ganda, Simmons' advantage had dwindled to a minute.
Just like he did two years prior, Pogacar unleashed his attack on that pivotal climb, capitalizing on the chaos caused by teammate Jay Vine's relentless pace, with del Toro shielding him from rivals. From there, he relentlessly closed the gap to Simmons, overtaking him well before the summit. The rest was a solo parade to a landmark victory, proving once again why Pogacar is often seen as cycling's untouchable force.
But here's the part most people miss: In a sport that's all about teamwork and strategy, Pogacar's ability to blend individual genius with squad support challenges the notion of a 'solo hero' in cycling. Is this the peak of the sport's evolution, or does it demand new rules to level the playing field? And this is where controversy really kicks in—some argue his era might discourage emerging talents, while others see it as inspiration for the next generation. What do you think? Is Tadej Pogacar the greatest cyclist of all time, or is his dominance overshadowing the thrill of competition? Do you agree that the sport needs changes to foster more unpredictability? Share your hot takes in the comments below—we'd love to hear your perspective and spark a lively debate!
