In an era where data-driven strategies and calculated racing often define the peloton, one rider has stood out for his audacity, versatility, and sheer class. Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian superstar, has reignited the spirit of old-school racing, drawing comparisons to the greatest cyclists of all time. Among his admirers is none other than Bernard Hinault, the five-time Tour de France champion and one of cycling’s most iconic “old warriors.”
In a recent interview, Hinault remarked, “Tadej bears the closest resemblance to old warriors like me and Merckx. He attacks, he suffers, he rides with heart, and he wants to win every time he gets on a bike. That’s the essence of true racing.”
This high praise from a titan of the sport is not given lightly. Hinault knows greatness when he sees it, and in Pogačar, he sees a reflection of a more courageous and romantic cycling era—one that many fans feared had been lost to modern specialization and power meter-driven tactics.
A Modern Throwback to Cycling’s Golden Age
At just 25, Pogačar has already rewritten the record books. Two Tour de France titles (2020, 2021), three monuments (Il Lombardia twice and Liège-Bastogne-Liège), podiums across every terrain, and even dominance in stage races like Tirreno-Adriatico and the UAE Tour—his palmarès are both prolific and varied. But it’s not just his results that have won him acclaim; it’s the way he races.
Pogačar doesn’t wait for the race to come to him—he makes the race. In the 2023 Tour of Flanders, he dropped some of the world’s best classics specialists to win on his debut, an achievement nearly unthinkable for a Grand Tour specialist. And just a week later, he crushed the field at Amstel Gold, attacking over 30 kilometers from the finish.
This versatility, Hinault argues, is what places Pogačar in the lineage of greats like himself and Merckx.
“Back in our day, if you were a true champion, you didn’t just win in July. You won in the Spring, in the Autumn, in the rain, in the mountains, in the mud. That’s what made Merckx who he was. Pogačar has that same fire.”
Rivalries Fueling the Fire: Van der Poel, Vingegaard, Evenepoel
While Pogačar’s dominance could easily turn into monotony, the current generation of riders has delivered a dramatic counterbalance. Mathieu van der Poel, Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Wout van Aert have created a golden age of rivalries, perhaps the most compelling in decades.
None more so than his growing duel with Van der Poel.
The Dutchman, an explosive puncheur and master of one-day races, has found a perfect nemesis in Pogačar. The two have clashed in multiple monuments and WorldTour races, each pushing the other to their physical and tactical limits. Their battle at the 2023 Tour of Flanders, where Pogačar won by attacking Van der Poel on the Oude Kwaremont, was hailed as one of the finest cycling duels in modern history.
Hinault believes that these rivalries are not just good for spectators—they’re vital for the sport’s future.
“These battles remind people why they fell in love with cycling. It’s not about watts per kilo on a spreadsheet—it’s about courage, pride, and the will to suffer more than the man next to you. When Pogačar takes on Van der Poel or Evenepoel, we see that again.”
A Breath of Fresh Air in a Technical Age
In today’s cycling, much of the racing is dictated by team radios, marginal gains, and strict tactical execution. Riders often fear attacking too early or straying from the plan. But Pogačar seems almost immune to these trends.
He rides with an instinctive flair reminiscent of Merckx, who famously said, “The best defense is an offense.” Whether it’s a descent, a cobbled climb, or a flat run-in, Pogačar will go if he senses weakness—even if it’s 50 kilometers from the finish.
This unpredictability has endeared him to fans and earned him admiration from his peers.
After being beaten by Pogačar in Strade Bianche, Remco Evenepoel simply said, “When he attacks, you either follow or you lose. It’s that simple.”
A Personality That Matches the Pedals
Aside from his talent, Pogačar’s humility and approachability have made him a beloved figure. Off the bike, he jokes with fans, plays pranks on teammates, and remains grounded despite global stardom. His relationship with fellow cyclist and fiancée Urska Zigart also adds a human touch to his public persona.
Yet behind the charm lies a ruthless competitor.
In the 2022 Tour de France, after losing the yellow jersey to Jonas Vingegaard in the Alps, Pogačar fought valiantly every day to claw back time—even when the odds were against him. That fighting spirit, Hinault says, is the mark of a true champion.
“He doesn’t know how to give up. He could have ridden for second place, but he kept attacking. That’s what made Merckx great. That’s what made me great. And that’s what makes Pogačar special.”
What Lies Ahead?
As the 2025 season continues, Pogačar shows no signs of slowing down. He’s confirmed to target a Giro-Tour double—a feat that hasn’t been successfully completed in decades. He also plans to return to Paris-Roubaix, determined to conquer one of the few races still missing from his trophy cabinet.
With each passing season, his legend grows. But for Pogačar, the journey is as important as the destination.
In a recent interview, he said, “I love racing. I love attacking. Whether I win or not, I want people to remember that I gave everything.”
And remember him we will.
The Return of Cycling’s Romanticism
In Tadej Pogačar, we’re witnessing more than just a talented athlete—we’re seeing the return of a racing ethos that once defined cycling. A time when champions rode for glory, not just for data points. When attacks weren’t scheduled—they were felt.
Hinault’s declaration isn’t just flattery. It’s a statement of truth.
Pogačar is the closest thing we’ve seen to Merckx and Hinault. And with rivals like Van der Poel, Vingegaard, and Evenepoel pushing him every step of the way, the sport is entering a new golden era—one that celebrates not just the science of winning, but the art of racing.
And in that art, Tadej Pogačar is the undisputed master.
Leave a Reply