Becoming world champion on Sunday after a monumental feat, Tadej Pogacar surpassed Eddy Merckx, according to the former Belgian runner himself.
Tadej Pogacar delivered a new recital on Sunday. Designated as the big favorite in the race for the rainbow jersey, the Slovenian crushed the world championship race. After an initial attack more than 100 kilometers from the finish, the leader of Team UAE-Emirates finally embarked on a solo ride of 50 kilometers, once again disgusting his opponents.
Already winner of the Tour of Italy in the spring and the Tour de France this summer, Tadej Pogacar completed the pass of three, thus joining Eddy Merckx (1974) and Stephen Roche (1987) in the history books. But with his victories over Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico, the native of Klanec has had a season like no other. So much so that for Eddy Merckx himself, Tadej Pogcar is now the greatest runner in history, surpassing the Cannibal.
“Pogacar is above me”
“It’s obvious that he (Pogacar) is now above me. I already thought it a little deep down when I saw what he had done in the last Tour de France but this evening there is no longer any doubt. he thus confided in the columns of The teamafter watching in front of his television “an incredible event in the history of cycling”.
“Obviously, we can never compare eras, but here we are dealing with an incredible runner, he added. I wasn’t attacking 100 kilometers from the finish in a World Championship, what he achieved today (Sunday) is unimaginable. We will remember it for a very long time. He took a lot of risks against Van der Poel and Evenepoel but that didn’t scare him. This is where we understand that Pogacar is a huge champion, he is extraordinary. » Words that surprised… Stephen Roche.
“Did Eddy really say that Pogacar was above him? Gosh! You can’t find a greater compliment.” he whispered.
However, Eddy Merckx’s opinion is not shared by everyone. Many cycling enthusiasts have in fact made their disagreement clear, continuing to consider the Cannibal and his 625 career victories above the new world champion. If Tadej Pogacar can boast of the best season in history since Sunday, the Slovenian will obviously have to wait to claim the title of best player.
