Celebrate Tadej Pogačar, the contemporary Eddy Merckx, as your opportunity to witness greatness in the Tour de France, as detailed in Ned Boulting's column
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has once again etched his name in the annals of cycling history by claiming a fourth Tour de France victory in 2025. This achievement, marked by a significant time gap reminiscent of the 1970s, solidifies his place among the sport's greatest riders.
Pogačar's 2025 Tour de France triumph was not marred by any mitigating circumstances, making it all the more impressive. The race, a spectacle worth witnessing, could have been a source of regret for those who missed it.
Pogačar's path to victory in 2025 saw him break free from Jonas Vingegaard, a formidable competitor. This win marks his second Tour de France title, adding to his impressive collection of achievements.
Eddy Merckx, a cycling legend, first won the Tour de France in 1969. Three of Merckx's five Tour de France victories came in time trials, a discipline in which Pogačar has also shown exceptional skill. Merckx's first Tour de France win was sealed with a victory in stage 22b, an individual time trial in Paris, a feat that Pogačar may aim to replicate.
Merckx's Molteni kit, which he wore during his Tour de France wins, is one of the most enduringly and affectionately remembered jerseys in cycling history.
Pogačar, now a four-time Tour de France champion, has his sights set on new challenges. He aims to win the Vuelta a España and another world title in Rwanda. Additionally, he has expressed a desire to beat Mathieu van der Poel in Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix, two prestigious one-day races.
As historians look back on the 2025 Tour de France, they may dedicate a particular flourish to Pogačar's historic win, much like they have for Merckx's victories in the past. The 2025 Tour de France will undoubtedly be remembered as a significant moment in the sport's history, much like Merckx's 1969 win was for its time.
[1] BBC Sport [2] Cycling Weekly [3] Cycling News [4] Velonews
[1] The 2025 Tour de France victory of Tadej Pogačar, reminiscent of the feats of cycling legends, is sure to make headlines in sports news outlets such as BBC Sport and Cycling News.
[2] Pogačar's impressive collection of achievements now includes four Tour de France titles, a feat he shares with cycling icons like Eddy Merckx, making it a hot topic for discussion in cycling forums like Cycling Weekly and Velonews.
