Tadej Pogačar’s 2024 season stands as one of the most impressive in cycling history, marking a year of exceptional achievements and unrivaled dominance. At just 26 years old, the Slovenian has firmly etched his name in the sport’s elite ranks, having accomplished feats that may never be replicated again.
Among his monumental successes, Pogačar became the first male cyclist since 1987 to claim cycling’s prestigious triple crown. His victory this year included a debut win at the Giro d’Italia, his third yellow jersey at the Tour de France, and the coveted road world title. Only Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche have previously completed this elusive trio, and Pogačar’s name now sits alongside these legends, cementing his place in the pantheon of cycling’s greatest riders.
With 25 race wins across 58 competition days in 2024, Pogačar displayed dominance across a range of events, from Grand Tours to one-day classics. His performances at Strade Bianche, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and the GP Montréal showcased his exceptional ability to execute long-range attacks, leaving rivals in his wake. His attacking style—often launching solo breaks from afar—has become his trademark.
Pogačar’s season began in March with a remarkable 80km solo break to secure a victory at Strade Bianche, and he concluded the year with a similarly dominant 48km solo move at Il Lombardia in October. But it was his crowning moment, the road world title in Zurich, that truly defined his year. After an audacious early attack 100km from the finish, Pogačar’s 51km solo effort ultimately led him to the rainbow jersey, defying initial doubts.
Former pro Sean Kelly, watching the event from Mallorca, recalls questioning the Slovenian’s strategy. “I said maybe he’s getting a bit too bold and doing it too early,” Kelly admitted. “But three hours later, there was no question he was in control.” Despite receiving brief support from teammate Pavel Sivakov, Pogačar soon surged ahead, leaving the field behind. “What can you do against that?” Kelly rhetorically asked. “There’s nothing. Riders have tried, but after a kilometre, they’ve blown up.”
Pogačar’s dominance has sparked speculation about his potential to rival Eddy Merckx as the greatest cyclist of all time. Despite the mounting comparisons, Pogačar remains unfazed. “He doesn’t seem to feel the pressure at all,” Kelly observed. “He’s at an age where he’s coming into his prime, and this year, he’s shown that he’s in his best years. From 26 to 30, you’re at your peak as a cyclist.”
Kelly believes Pogačar’s ability to stay focused and shut out external pressure is a key factor in his success. Unlike some of his rivals, who may succumb to the weight of expectations, Pogačar continues to deliver spectacular performances with unwavering determination.
Looking ahead to 2025, the question on many minds is: What’s next for Pogačar? How will he continue to evolve as one of cycling’s defining figures?
“I think the Tour and Vuelta double could be a target next year,” Kelly suggested. “But his team won’t want him to race too much too early. The problem is, whatever the race, he wants to win.”
It’s a good problem to have, however, and Kelly pointed out that much will depend on whether Pogačar chooses to focus the latter part of his season on the World Championships in Rwanda in September. Regardless of his path, one thing is clear: Pogačar’s relentless drive to win will continue to fuel his ambitions.
“Whatever it is, he just wants to win,” Kelly concluded. “That’s the type of racer he is.”
As 2024 draws to a close, the cycling world is left to wonder: What heights will Pogačar reach next? With his talent, determination, and undeniable greatness, there may be no limit to what he can achieve in the years to come.
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