Cycling fans are no strangers to witnessing extraordinary performances on the world stage. But Tadej Pogačar’s jaw-dropping ride to clinch the rainbow jersey at the 2024 UCI Road World Championships left even the most seasoned professionals in awe. Among those astonished was Pavel Sivakov, who offered an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the superhuman effort it took to chase Pogačar that day. His candid revelations not only underscore the Slovenian’s dominance but also ignite heated debates about what separates mortals from cycling’s modern-day demigods.
The Race That Redefined Cycling
The 2024 World Championships took place in Zurich, Switzerland, a city known for its picturesque landscapes and leg-crushing climbs. The course was brutal—a 270-kilometre odyssey packed with sharp ascents, technical descents, and punishing cobbled sectors. It was a battlefield designed to reward the strongest and most versatile riders.
From the outset, the race unfolded with an intensity befitting its historic setting. Teams like Jumbo-Visma and UAE Team Emirates set a relentless pace, whittling down the peloton with every climb. By the final 50 kilometres, the race had boiled down to a select group of favourites, including Pogačar, Sivakov, Wout van Aert, Remco Evenepoel, and Tom Pidcock.
What followed was a masterclass in dominance. Pogačar, who had already cemented his place among cycling’s legends with multiple Tour de France titles and Monument wins, launched an audacious attack on the penultimate climb. The move shattered the group and set the stage for a solo effort that would etch his name in cycling lore.
Pavel Sivakov: A Front-Row Seat to Greatness
Pavel Sivakov, a key contender riding for the French national team, was among those tasked with responding to Pogačar’s attack. Known for his climbing prowess and tactical intelligence, Sivakov was expected to be one of the few riders capable of matching Pogačar on such a demanding course. But as he later recounted, the experience was both humbling and awe-inspiring.
“I saw Pogačar shift gears, both literally and metaphorically, and it was like he was in a league of his own,” Sivakov said in a post-race interview. “I’ve seen how many watts I was putting out to follow him… It was just crazy. Numbers I’ve hit in training for a few seconds, I had to sustain just to stay close to him—and even then, it wasn’t enough.”
Sivakov’s admission speaks volumes about the level Pogačar has reached. For a seasoned pro accustomed to gruelling races and punishing power outputs, to describe another rider’s effort as “crazy” is both a compliment and a testament to the magnitude of the performance.
The Data Behind the Madness
Though exact power numbers were not disclosed, Sivakov hinted at figures that defy belief. Cycling analysts and enthusiasts were quick to speculate, with many estimating that Pogačar sustained over 6.5 watts per kilogramme on the decisive climb—a feat that would place him among the greatest climbers in the sport’s history. For context, such numbers are typically reserved for short bursts, not prolonged efforts at the end of a gruelling 270-kilometer race.
“What makes it even more unbelievable,” Sivakov added, “is that Tadej didn’t just hold that power—he made it look effortless. Meanwhile, I was in the red zone, clinging on for dear life.”
A Historic Victory
Pogačar’s solo triumph in Zurich was the culmination of years of meticulous preparation, raw talent, and an unrelenting drive to win. As he crossed the finish line with arms aloft, the Slovenian became the first rider in over two decades to win both the Tour de France and the World Championships in the same season—a feat last achieved by Lance Armstrong in 1993 (before his victories were annulled).
Cycling fans erupted with admiration, but Pogačar’s dominance also sparked heated debates. Was this performance a reflection of a once-in-a-lifetime talent peaking at the right moment? Or did it point to an era where the sport’s physical limits are being pushed to unprecedented levels, raising uncomfortable questions about sustainability and fairness?
The Human Cost of Chasing Pogačar
While Pogačar basked in the glory of his victory, the riders who attempted to match his pace were left physically and emotionally spent. Sivakov described the toll it took: “After the race, my legs felt like they had been put through a meat grinder. I’m used to suffering—every pro cyclist is—but this was different. It wasn’t just physical; it was mental. You start questioning if you’re even in the same sport as someone like Tadej.”
Wout van Aert echoed similar sentiments in his post-race comments, labelling Pogačar’s ride as “otherworldly.” The Belgian superstar, who finished third behind Pogačar and Evenepoel, added, “You prepare all season for one day, one race, and then someone makes you feel like an amateur. It’s both inspiring and demoralising.”
The Debate: Is Pogačar Too Good?
Pogačar’s performance reignited long-standing debates about dominance in cycling. While his fans hail him as a once-in-a-century talent, critics question whether such performances are sustainable—or even believable. Comparisons to past legends, from Eddy Merckx to Lance Armstrong, inevitably draw attention to cycling’s troubled history with performance-enhancing drugs.
Pogačar, however, has consistently maintained his innocence, emphasising the advancements in training, nutrition, and technology that have shaped modern cycling. “I understand the scepticism,” he said after the race. “But I’ve worked for this moment my entire life. Every watt I produce, every result I achieve, is the product of hard work, discipline, and passion.”
Sivakov, for his part, dismissed the idea that Pogačar’s performance was anything but legitimate. “What he’s doing is unbelievable, but it’s not impossible. He’s simply raised the bar for all of us. If anything, it’s a challenge to step up and see how close we can get.”
What’s Next for Pogačar—and the Peloton?
Pogačar’s victory in Zurich cements his status as the defining rider of his generation. But the road ahead promises new challenges, not least the burden of wearing the rainbow jersey—a symbol that attracts both admiration and scrutiny.
For Sivakov and the rest of the peloton, the task is clear: close the gap. Whether through innovations in training or sheer determination, the next generation of riders will need to elevate their game to compete with a rider who appears to have no weaknesses.
“Racing against Tadej isn’t just a competition,” Sivakov said. “It’s a lesson in what’s possible. The only question now is whether anyone can match him.”
A Moment to Remember
Tadej Pogačar’s historic World Championship win will be remembered as one of the defining moments of modern cycling. It was a performance that transcended the sport, leaving fans, commentators, and competitors alike in awe. And thanks to Sivakov’s candid insights, we now have a clearer picture of what it takes to follow in the wheel of a legend—or at least, to try.
Whether you view Pogačar as a generational talent or a controversial figure, one thing is undeniable: he has redefined what is possible in professional cycling. For better or worse, the sport may never be the same again.