The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness: Tadej Pogačar's Quest to Conquer Cycling
Tadej Pogačar is a phenomenon. At just 27, he’s already amassed a palmarès that most cyclists could only dream of. But what’s truly fascinating is his insatiable hunger for more. His recent victory at the Tour de Romandie wasn’t just another win—it was a calculated step in a larger strategy to dominate every corner of the sport. Personally, I think what makes Pogačar so compelling isn’t just his talent, but his meticulous approach to legacy-building. He’s not just winning races; he’s ticking off boxes in a grand checklist of cycling’s most prestigious events.
Why Romandie Matters (Even If It Doesn’t)
Let’s start with the Tour de Romandie. On the surface, it’s a race that doesn’t fit neatly into Pogačar’s schedule. Sandwiched between his Classics campaign and the Tour de France, it’s an awkward addition that requires him to peak, wind down, and then ramp up again. Yet, he chose to compete—and win—because it’s part of his larger mission. What many people don’t realize is that Romandie is one of the ‘big seven’ week-long stage races, a group of historically significant events that Pogačar is determined to conquer. By winning it, he’s not just adding another title; he’s closing in on a specific goal.
But here’s the kicker: Romandie might not even exist in its current form next year due to financial troubles. So why bother? Because for Pogačar, it’s about the history, the prestige, and the completeness of his résumé. It’s a race that matters to cycling’s lore, and he wants his name etched in it. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a man who’s playing the long game, ensuring his legacy is as unassailable as possible.
The ‘Big Seven’ and the Missing Pieces
Pogačar’s stage race selections this year are no accident. Alongside Romandie, he’s targeting the Tour de Suisse, another of the ‘big seven.’ What’s interesting is how he’s systematically ticking off these races, almost like a collector filling out a rare set. After Suisse, only Itzulia Basque Country remains on his list. But here’s where it gets tricky: Itzulia clashes with his newfound love for the cobbled Classics, particularly Paris-Roubaix.
This raises a deeper question: will Pogačar sacrifice his dominance in the Monuments to complete his stage race haul? Personally, I think he’ll find a way to balance both, but it won’t be easy. The Basque Country race is notoriously demanding, and his focus on the cobbles has already kept him away from it in recent years. One thing that immediately stands out is his willingness to adapt his schedule, but even for someone as versatile as Pogačar, compromises will have to be made.
The Grand Tour Conundrum
While Pogačar has dominated the Tour de France and conquered the Giro d’Italia, the Vuelta a España remains the missing piece in his Grand Tour puzzle. He’s expressed interest in targeting it, but it’s never been a priority. Why? Because the Vuelta’s late-season timing clashes with his other goals, particularly the World Championships. This year, with the Worlds in Montréal, he’s more likely to focus on Canadian one-day races as preparation.
What this really suggests is that Pogačar is a master of prioritization. He knows he can’t win everything, so he picks his battles carefully. The Vuelta might have to wait until 2027 or 2028, when the calendar aligns more favorably. But make no mistake: he’ll get there eventually. For a rider of his caliber, leaving the Vuelta unchecked would feel like unfinished business.
The Monuments and the Elusive Roubaix
Pogačar’s Classics record is staggering. He’s won five consecutive Il Lombardia titles, four Liège-Bastogne-Liège victories, and three Tour of Flanders wins. He even conquered Milan-San Remo this year. But Paris-Roubaix remains the final frontier. Only three riders have won all five Monuments, and Pogačar is tantalizingly close to joining that elite group.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Roubaix seems to resist even his dominance. He’s finished second twice, including this year, losing to Wout van Aert in a sprint. Roubaix is a race that doesn’t care about your palmarès—it’s brutal, unpredictable, and unforgiving. In my opinion, this is the one race that could truly define Pogačar’s legacy. If he wins it, he’ll cement himself as one of the greatest cyclists ever. If he doesn’t, it’ll be the one asterisk on an otherwise flawless career.
Beyond the Obvious: Lesser Races and Hidden Goals
While Pogačar’s focus is on the biggest events, there are smaller races that could tempt him. The Tour Down Under, Tour of Poland, and Renewi Tour are all on the WorldTour calendar, but they lack the prestige of the ‘big seven.’ Personally, I think he’ll cherry-pick these races if they align with his preparation for larger goals, but they’re unlikely to be priorities.
What’s more intriguing is his potential Olympic ambitions. He skipped the 2024 Paris Games due to fatigue, but the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be his last shot at gold. By then, he’ll be 33, and while he’s shown no signs of slowing down, time is a factor even for legends.
The Records Within Reach
Pogačar is already rewriting cycling’s record books. He’s chasing a fifth Tour de France title to tie the all-time record, and his 21 stage wins put him within striking distance of Mark Cavendish’s record. He’s also just six Monument wins behind Eddy Merckx, the greatest cyclist of all time.
But what’s most impressive is how he’s doing it all simultaneously. He’s not just a stage racer or a Classics specialist—he’s both, and he’s excelling in both domains. If you take a step back and think about it, we’re witnessing a once-in-a-generation talent who’s redefining what’s possible in cycling.
Conclusion: The Legacy in the Making
Tadej Pogačar’s career is a masterclass in ambition and strategy. He’s not just winning races; he’s building a legacy that will stand the test of time. From the ‘big seven’ stage races to the Monuments and Grand Tours, he’s leaving no stone unturned. But what makes him truly remarkable is his ability to balance his goals, adapt his schedule, and continually push the boundaries of what’s possible.
In my opinion, Pogačar’s greatest achievement isn’t any single victory—it’s his relentless pursuit of greatness. Whether he wins Paris-Roubaix or completes the Grand Tour set, one thing is certain: his name will be remembered long after he hangs up his bike. And that, perhaps, is the ultimate victory.
