Tadej Pogačar was in a league of his own throughout 2024, securing victories in two Grand Tours winning 12 stages along the way along with two Monuments and his first men’s elite road race world championship title, among other achievements. However, despite his undeniable talent, some have questioned whether his dominance is beneficial for the sport.
One person asked to weigh in by ‘L’Équipe’ was Swiss cycling legend and Tudor Pro Cycling Team boss, Fabian Cancellara. “Pogačar is not going to kill cycling I don’t like that term,” said the seven-time Monument winner. However, he did draw a comparison to another dominant athlete, Max Verstappen in Formula 1. “If someone dominates too much, it’s like Verstappen. I don’t know about you, but for me, it becomes less interesting, and I follow the races less.”
Cancellara also issued a caution for the future. “Cycling could face a similar situation,” he warned. However, history has shown that dominant riders are eventually challenged by new generations. “When Eddy Merckx won everything, or when Tom Boonen and I dominated the Flemish races, new riders always emerged.”
Marc Hirschi, who recently moved from Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates – XRG to Cancellara’s Tudor Pro Cycling Team, offered a balanced perspective. “Some might start to lose interest, but at the same time, many people know cycling because of Tadej he’s recognized worldwide,” Hirschi noted. He also pointed out how unpredictable the sport remains. “Cycling moves so fast. Illness, injuries, or emerging talents can change everything. Maybe next season will be Remco’s?”
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