Tadej Pogacar is widely regarded as the shining star of professional cycling. He first burst onto the world stage during the 2020 Tour de France, delivering a stunning upset by stealing the yellow jersey from Primoz Roglic in what has become one of the most memorable conclusions in cycling history. Since then, he has established himself as the cyclist to beat, showcasing exceptional talent and versatility in a range of competitive settings. Whether he is battling semi-legendary figures like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert in major one-day races or challenging the formidable Jonas Vingegaard in the grueling ascents of the Tour de France, Pogacar has made history at every corner.
As the reigning world champion, Tadej Pogacar has accomplished remarkable feats, becoming only the third cyclist in history, alongside legends such as Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche, to clinch victories in the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France, and the World Championship road race within a single season in 2024. At the young age of 26, Pogacar is seen as a monumental talent of his generation, with an impressive track record that suggests he is not nearing the end of his abilities but rather in the prime of his career seeking new heights.
In anticipation of the grueling challenges of the Tour de France this summer, Pogacar is aiming for a fourth yellow jersey, continuing to build on an already impressive Spring Classics campaign. The 2025 cycling season has been fruitful for him, marked by a series of noteworthy performances. To examine his progression, one must look at his record in the year 2025, where he began with a commanding performance at the UAE Tour, securing victory in both climbing stages. His consistent top-three finishes in one-day races signify his dominance, despite setbacks such as a crash that hindered his debut at Paris-Roubaix, where he ultimately finished in second place.
In 2025, Pogacar has consistently demonstrated his excellence, as seen in his record thus far:
– April 20: Second place at Amstel Gold Race
– April 23: Victory in La Fleche Wallonne
– April 6: Second at Paris-Roubaix
– April 5: Victory in the Tour of Flanders
– March 22: Third place in Milano-Sanremo
– March 8: Victory in Strade Bianche
– February 17-23: Winner of the UAE Tour with two stage victories
Pogacar’s talent shines through in his Monument wins as well; he has achieved an exceptional eight Monument victories, including the prestigious Liege-Bastogne-Liege four times. His two wins at the Tour of Flanders and Il Lombardia further solidify his rank among the greats of the sport. The fact that he has finished outside the top five in just three of his 18 Monument starts highlights his near-unrivaled consistency, with the only notable blemish stemming from a crash in Liege in 2023 that sidelined him momentarily.
While he still seeks to complete his Monument collection by winning Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix, joining cycling giants like Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx, and Roger De Vlaeminck, his records certainly speak for themselves.
Pogacar’s prowess extends beyond one-day races; he has triumphed in the Tour de France three times—2020, 2021, and most recently in 2024—while he finished second in both 2022 and 2023. This places him in a prestigious category, with the ultimate Tour de France record of five victories held by cycling icons such as Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. His Grand Tour achievements include competing in seven events with victories in four Grand Tours, leaving the Vuelta a España as the sole title he has yet to secure.
In addition to his various triumphs, Pogacar also boasts a bronze medal from the men’s road race at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, solidifying his status as a well-rounded athlete. After successfully completing the Giro-Tour double in 2024, he opted out of the 2024 Paris Games, indicating a focused approach to his competitive calendar.
With the World Championship road race title claimed in 2024, Pogacar now dons the coveted rainbow jersey and continues to elevate his profile within the realm of cycling. As he embarks on the future, the cycling world eagerly anticipates what more he will achieve in his already illustrious career. His ambition is not limited to titles; his desire to create enduring memories and cement a legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of all time is evident with each race he enters.
