Winning all five Monuments across a professional cycling career remains one of the sport’s rarest and most revered achievements. Only three riders in history — Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck and Rik Van Looy—have completed the full set of Milan–San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège and Il Lombardia.
For Italian former professional Moreno Moser, however, Tadej Pogačar represents something different: a rider who may be capable of joining that exclusive group in the modern era.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the former Strade Bianche winner and current Eurosport analyst argued that the UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader operates beyond traditional performance boundaries, combining physical versatility with an exceptional competitive mindset.
Moreno Moser: Why Pogačar “Changes the Rules”
Moser’s case is not based purely on Pogačar’s palmarès, already among the strongest of his generation. Instead, he focuses on how the Slovenian wins races.
“He drops everyone? Fine. What interests me is when and how,” Moser explained. “And his mental superiority over the others impresses me as well.”
According to Moser, Pogačar’s defining quality is his ability to impose his own logic on races rather than conforming to established patterns. Whether on cobbled classics, long alpine climbs or rolling terrain, Pogačar consistently reshapes races around his strengths.
That mental edge, Moser believes, is what separates Pogačar from recent dominant figures. Rather than waiting for decisive moments, he creates them — often far earlier than rivals expect.
Sustained Dominance, Not a Single Peak
Crucially, Moser does not see Pogačar’s dominance as fleeting.
“I believe he can manage at least another two or three seasons like this,” he said.
It is that projected longevity — not just a single exceptional year — that fuels belief in the possibility of a complete Monument collection. Consistency across multiple seasons is essential given the contrasting demands of the five races, from the endurance and positioning of Milan–San Remo to the brutal pavé of Paris–Roubaix.
“For 2026, in fact, I would like to bet on one thing,” Moser added. “That he could win all five Monuments.”
Milan–San Remo as a Turning Point
Moser highlighted Milan–San Remo as a symbolic example of how Pogačar and his generation have reshaped modern racing.
“How many years had we been waiting for the race to light up already on the Cipressa?” he said. “And until 500 metres from the finish we did not know whether Van der Poel, Ganna or Pogacar would win. Magnificent.”
For Moser, this unpredictability is precisely why Pogačar’s dominance enhances rather than diminishes the spectacle.
“Champions do not bore people,” he said. “And Pogačar is pure enjoyment.”
Italian Cycling Beyond the Pogačar Era
While Pogačar dominates the present, Moser also looked ahead to Italy’s prospects in Grand Tours.
He identified Lorenzo Finn as a long-term hope, citing his completeness, while acknowledging the challenges he will face upon entering the WorldTour from 2027 onwards. Moser also highlighted Giulio Pellizzari as a rider capable of winning a three-week race, suggesting the Giro d’Italia could eventually be within his reach.
A Place Among Cycling’s Immortals?
For now, though, Moser’s focus remains firmly on a rider he believes can bridge cycling’s past and present.
The full set of Monuments has long been the preserve of cycling’s immortals. In Moreno Moser’s view, Tadej Pogačar has already placed himself within touching distance of that historic conversation — not just through victories, but through the way he redefines what is considered possible in modern professional cycling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are cycling’s five Monuments?
The five Monuments are Milan–San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and Il Lombardia. They are considered the most prestigious one-day races in professional cycling.
Has any modern rider won all five Monuments?
No. Only Eddy Merckx, Roger De Vlaeminck, and Rik Van Looy have completed the full set. No rider from the modern era has achieved this feat.
Why does Moreno Moser believe Tadej Pogačar can win all five Monuments?
Moser believes Pogačar combines exceptional physical range with mental superiority, allowing him to reshape races rather than follow traditional patterns. He also sees Pogačar sustaining elite performance for several more seasons.
What makes Pogačar different from other dominant riders?
According to Moser, Pogačar’s defining trait is not just winning, but when and how he wins. His willingness to attack early and impose his own race dynamics sets him apart.
Which Italian riders does Moser see as future Grand Tour contenders?
Moser highlighted Lorenzo Finn as a long-term prospect due to his completeness and Giulio Pellizzari as a rider capable of winning a three-week race, potentially the Giro d’Italia.
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