Tadej Pogacar on the trail of Eddy Merckx

Tadej Pogacar's career already looks like a picture book career. At just 23 years old, he has already achieved what many cyclists can only dream of – winning the Tour de France. The Slovenian was not only able to take the tour by storm, but was even able to defend his title from the previous year. Pogacar has turned the world of cycling upside down in recent years.

You rarely see the Slovenian passive and reserved, his riding style brings a breath of fresh air into the peloton. While in recent years the big teams like Sky have relied on rationality and administration in the tours, Pogacar often presents himself as a protagonist and relies on his individual strengths. Vuelta 2019 – First exclamation mark Even before his 21st birthday, the Slovenian is attracting attention with a bang. In his first appearance on a major tour, Pogacar managed to get onto the podium straight away. With three stage wins and third place in the overall ranking, the aspiring talent is recommended for further tasks. The following year he would finally be in the spotlight all alone for the first time.

His climb of the Col de Peyresourde in the 2020 Tour de France was perhaps his final breakthrough. The new man in yellow literally shattered a stage record from 2003. The cycling world was shocked - in a good way. An almost unknown talent hurried away from the stars in the field in the most important event of the year. Pogacar overtook his teammate and actual favorite Primoz Roglic and ultimately secured the yellow jersey. Tour de France and Olympics The year 2021 was no less successful. In April, Pogacar achieved its first victory in one of the prestigious classics on the Liège-Bastogne-Liège (La Doyenne) route. But this success should only be a foretaste of his brilliant achievements in the summer. An image that you have already gotten used to. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

At the Tour de France, the defending champion was of course the favorite to start and was more than able to live up to this role. After the 8th stage he took over the yellow jersey and continued to expand his lead in the overall lead. In the end, the lead was 5 minutes and 20 seconds, and in addition to the yellow jersey, Pogacar also secured the mountain and junior classification.

At the Olympic Games in Tokyo he struggled with his tactics afterwards, but the Slovenian was still happy about the bronze medal. In the end, the precious metal was a symbol of an impressive career. The way into the history books After Pogacar was able to place in the top 10 at both the European and World Championships, another classic was on the program with the Giro di Lombardia. Despite his debut at the Italian monument, he was able to prevail on the 239 kilometer route from Como to Bergamo and his second triumph in a classic celebrate.

This victory also meant catching up with one of the greats in cycling history. So far, only Eddy Merckx had managed to win the Tour de France, La Doyenne and the Giro di Lombarida in the same season in 1971 and 1972. At just 23 years old, Pogacar is already joining the legends of the sport.

To what extent his winning streak can continue remains to be seen. If he continues to concentrate on the classics, a demonstration of power like that at the Tour de France 2021 will be difficult to achieve - and the field will thus move closer together.

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Tadej Pogacar on the trail of Eddy Merckx

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