Pogacar’s Reign and the Future of Cycling: Beyond Completing the Palmarès
Tadej Pogacar’s recent victory at Milan-Sanremo, overcoming a thrilling duel with Tom Pidcock, marks not just another win, but a pivotal moment in cycling. It’s a victory that forces a re-evaluation of what it means to “complete” the sport, and what challenges remain even for a rider of Pogacar’s unparalleled dominance.
The Shifting Landscape of Cycling’s Grand Challenges
For years, the benchmark for cycling greatness has been a comprehensive palmarès – a complete collection of victories. Eddy Merckx set the standard, and riders have since measured themselves against his achievements. Now, with Pogacar having secured many of cycling’s most prestigious titles, including the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France, the question arises: what’s left? The Paris-Roubaix and the Vuelta a España are frequently cited, but the very definition of “completeness” is evolving.
The modern cycling calendar, and the increasing specialization within the sport, complicates this pursuit. Races once considered equally important now occupy different tiers in the collective consciousness. The rise of data-driven training and team strategies has also altered the competitive landscape, making it harder to replicate the broad-spectrum success of riders from previous eras.
Pogacar’s Strategy: Eliminating Randomness
Pogacar’s approach to racing is notable for its attempt to minimize chance. His aggressive, long-range attacks, seen in victories at the World Championships and Strade Bianche, aim to dilute the decisive moment, extending it and reducing the role of luck. Still, as the Milan-Sanremo demonstrated, even the most calculated strategies can’t entirely eliminate unpredictability. The course’s unique characteristics – the Cipressa and Poggio climbs combined with nearly 300 kilometers of racing – create a scenario where a single, perfectly timed move can overturn even the most dominant performance.
This contrasts with a more opportunistic style, exemplified by riders like Mathieu van der Poel. Van der Poel’s success often hinges on capitalizing on moments of weakness in his opponents, a tactic that proved effective against Pogacar in the past. The dynamic between these two riders is becoming a defining feature of the current cycling era.
Beyond Monument and Grand Tours: Defining Modern Cycling Greatness
The traditional focus on Monument races (Milan-Sanremo, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Lombardia) and Grand Tours is being challenged. While these remain the pinnacle of the sport, the proliferation of WorldTour events and the increasing importance of one-day races create a more fragmented competitive landscape. A rider’s ability to consistently perform across a wider range of events is becoming increasingly valuable.
Pogacar’s 2024 and 2025 seasons, marked by numerous victories and only a handful of near misses, illustrate this point. His dominance extends beyond the major races, suggesting a level of consistency and versatility rarely seen in the sport. This raises the question: is winning a high percentage of races, regardless of their prestige, a more meaningful measure of greatness than solely focusing on the most iconic events?
The Merckx Comparison: A Different Era
The comparison to Eddy Merckx is inevitable, but also imperfect. Merckx competed in an era with a vastly different racing calendar and training methodologies. He amassed a staggering number of victories, including seven Milan-Sanremo titles, a feat Pogacar is still striving to match. However, many of those victories came in races that have since lost prominence or even disappeared from the calendar.
The sheer volume of races Merckx contested also contributed to his impressive palmarès. Modern riders, with their highly specialized training regimes, typically prioritize fewer events, focusing on peak performance at key moments. This makes a direct comparison of their achievements difficult.
The Future for Pogacar: Platinating the Game?
Pogacar’s stated ambition to “complete” cycling, likened to a gamer achieving “platinum” status by completing all challenges, is a compelling metaphor. The Paris-Roubaix and Vuelta a España represent the remaining major objectives. However, the pursuit of completeness may ultimately be less important than maintaining his current level of dominance and continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
His approach to racing, focused on eliminating randomness and controlling the narrative, is likely to continue shaping the future of cycling. Other riders will undoubtedly attempt to emulate his tactics, leading to a more strategic and calculated style of racing across the peloton.
FAQ
Q: What is a “Monument” race in cycling?
A: Monument races are the five most prestigious one-day classic races: Milan-Sanremo, Ronde van Vlaanderen, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Lombardia.
Q: Why is Tadej Pogacar considered so dominant?
A: Pogacar’s dominance stems from his versatility, strength in both climbing and time trialing, and a strategic approach to racing that minimizes risk and maximizes control.
Q: What does it mean to “platinate” a game?
A: In gaming, “platinating” refers to completing all achievements and challenges in a video game, signifying a complete mastery of the game.
Q: Is Mathieu van der Poel Pogacar’s biggest rival?
A: Yes, Van der Poel is widely considered Pogacar’s primary rival, possessing the skills and tactical acumen to challenge Pogacar’s dominance.
Did you know? Tadej Pogacar has won 11 out of 17 races he participated in during 2025, showcasing his incredible consistency.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Pogacar’s performance in the Paris-Roubaix. His ability to adapt to the challenging cobblestone sections will be crucial for his success.
What do you consider? Will Pogacar achieve cycling “platinum” status? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
