In a remarkable display of cycling prowess, Tadej Pogacar has claimed his third victory at the prestigious Liege-Bastogne-Liege, solidifying his status as one of the premier competitors in professional cycling. This victory caps off an extraordinary spring season for the world champion, who has been nothing short of phenomenal in his performances across multiple prestigious events.
Starting with the Strade Bianche, Pogacar showcased his skills, eventually securing a third-place finish at the iconic Milano-Sanremo. From there, he soared to first place in the Tour of Flanders, marking his dominance in the realm of spring classics. Not resting on his laurels, he finished second in his debut at the demanding Paris-Roubaix and narrowly took second place in the Amstel Gold Race. Following these endeavors, he went on to capture victories in both La Fleche Wallonne and, most recently, the Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Such a remarkable series of achievements has led him to the unprecedented feat of finishing on the podium in six consecutive Monuments, marking him as the first cyclist in history to accomplish this level of consistency in such historically rich races.
Despite his impressive record this spring, questions loom over whether Pogacar may be overextending himself early in the cycling season. With the Tour de France—his title defense—looming just over the horizon, alongside a world championship later in the year, the cycling community is observing the potential repercussions of his packed race schedule. Managing such a dynamic and grueling cycling calendar is a complex endeavor, and former cycling star Alberto Contador has weighed in on the management of Pogacar’s racing season. He has noted a change in Pogacar’s approach, suggesting that he’s not attacking as aggressively in races as he previously did.
Contador remarked, “I think that from the inside, the people around him must be starting to tell him: ‘Hey Tadej, you don’t have to start 70-80 km from the finish line. We’re going to be effective and we’re going to save and economise on strength.'” This comment highlights the intricate balance Pogacar and his team need to strike between aggressive racing and conserving energy for crucial future events.
The legendary Eddie Merckx remains the benchmark in cycling history, with 19 Monument victories complemented by five Tour de France titles, multiple Giro d’Italia wins, one Vuelta a Espana victory, and three road race rainbow jerseys, culminating in an extraordinary legacy of dominance in the sport. Pogacar, with his nine Monument wins, three Tour de France titles, one Giro d’Italia, and one rainbow jersey, knows that to be compared to Merckx, he must continue to stack achievements in both Monuments and Grand Tours.
Though Pogacar has proven himself resilient, racing in the spring more than ever before, he has strategically opted out of competing in this year’s Giro d’Italia. This decision seems to be focused on allowing him the necessary time and preparation to tackle multi-day races, all while gearing up to defend his Tour de France crown. At only 26 years old, Pogacar still has ample time to chase after Merckx’s monumental records, regardless of how his current season is structured.
In the realm of competitive cycling, the inherent risks of pushing hard in the spring racing season could yield substantial returns down the line, especially if Pogacar focuses on the dual objective of excelling in both Monuments and his ongoing quest for supremacy in Grand Tours. As the cycling world looks onward, all eyes will be on Pogacar as he navigates the remaining challenges of the season, striving not only to defend his titles but also to cement his legacy in the annals of cycling history.
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