The 2024 cycling season has been extraordinary for UAE Team Emirates and their Slovenian superstar, Tadej Pogacar. Dominating the peloton with dazzling performances, Pogacar has established himself as an almost invincible force. Yet, not everyone in the cycling world applauds his rivals’ efforts to dethrone him. Former Tour de France winner Bjarne Riis has unleashed a sharp critique, calling out Pogacar’s competitors for their lack of strategic thinking.
Speaking on the Cafe Eddy podcast, Riis, the 1996 Tour de France winner and compatriot of Jonas Vingegaard, offered a candid assessment of Pogacar’s dominance and the underwhelming response from his rivals. “It’s not forbidden to be intelligent and creative,” Riis declared. “If you’re up against someone stronger than you, you can only beat them by thinking smart. You have to be smarter than the others.” His words have sparked a heated debate in the cycling community about strategy, innovation, and the current state of the sport.
Pogacar’s Unstoppable 2024 Season
Tadej Pogacar’s remarkable achievements this season have been nothing short of historic. From winning the Tour de France in dominant fashion to claiming key one-day classics, Pogacar has showcased versatility and an unmatched ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. His UAE Team Emirates squad has played a pivotal role, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and tactical precision.
The Slovenian’s success has left his competitors scrambling for answers. Despite their best efforts, teams like Jumbo-Visma, Ineos Grenadiers, and others have repeatedly fallen short against Pogacar’s brilliance. This has led to growing frustrations within the peloton, with some critics arguing that the sport risks becoming predictable.
Riis’ Critique: Lack of Creativity Among Rivals
Bjarne Riis, known for his tactical acumen during his racing and managerial career, sees the situation differently. Rather than blaming Pogacar for being too strong, Riis believes the fault lies with his rivals for failing to adapt.
“Everyone complains instead of thinking strategically,” Riis said bluntly. “Pogacar is incredibly talented, but he’s not unbeatable. His rivals need to study his weaknesses and exploit them. It’s about teamwork, tactics, and bold decisions. Instead, what we see are predictable races where no one takes risks.”
Riis’ comments highlight a broader issue within professional cycling—the reliance on conventional strategies that play into the hands of dominant riders and teams. He emphasised the importance of creativity, suggesting that Pogacar’s rivals must break free from traditional approaches if they hope to topple him.
Lessons from Cycling History
Cycling’s history is filled with examples of strategic brilliance overcoming physical superiority. Riis himself is a prime example, having used meticulous planning to win the 1996 Tour de France against stronger competitors. Another notable instance is Greg LeMond’s iconic 1989 Tour de France victory, where an innovative time trial strategy helped him secure a dramatic win by just eight seconds.
“Cycling is as much a mental game as it is physical,” Riis explained. “The great champions are the ones who combine strength with strategy. Pogacar’s rivals must stop trying to beat him at his own game and start playing their own.”
Analyzing Pogacar’s Weaknesses
While Pogacar has shown extraordinary consistency, he is not without vulnerabilities. In the 2023 Tour de France, Jonas Vingegaard exploited Pogacar’s off day during a critical mountain stage to gain an advantage. Similarly, Pogacar’s aggressive racing style, while spectacular, can leave him exposed to counterattacks if rivals coordinate effectively.
“Every rider has a breaking point,” Riis noted. “The question is whether his rivals have the courage and intelligence to push him to that point. It’s not just about physical strength; it’s about when and where to attack, and how to use your team effectively.”
The Role of Teamwork
Riis also emphasized the importance of teamwork in overcoming a dominant rider like Pogacar. UAE Team Emirates has mastered the art of protecting their leader, using a well-drilled roster to control races and neutralise threats. Pogacar’s rivals, according to Riis, need to adopt a similar approach.
“It’s not just about individual talent,” Riis explained. “Teams like Jumbo-Visma have the resources and depth to challenge the UAE, but they’re not coordinating their efforts effectively. Rivals need to unite, even temporarily, to dismantle Pogacar’s support system and isolate him.”
A Divided Peloton
Riis’ comments have sparked diverse reactions within the cycling community. Some agree with his assessment, arguing that Pogacar’s dominance is a symptom of strategic stagnation among his rivals. Others feel Riis is underestimating the sheer physical superiority of Pogacar and his team.
“It’s easy to criticise from the outside,” one professional rider commented anonymously. “But when you’re in the race, it’s a different story. Pogacar’s level is incredible, and sometimes there’s nothing you can do but fight for second place.”
The Way Forward
Regardless of the differing opinions, Riis’ critique raises an important question: how can cycling maintain its unpredictability and excitement in an era of dominance by a single rider or team?
One potential solution lies in innovation—both on and off the bike. From advanced data analysis to unconventional race tactics, teams must explore every avenue to gain an edge. Collaboration between rival teams, though rare, could also prove pivotal in dismantling the UAE’s stranglehold on the peloton.
Pogacar’s Response
Tadej Pogacar has not directly responded to Riis’ comments, but those close to the Slovenian suggest he welcomes the challenge. Known for his competitive spirit and love for the sport, Pogacar thrives on pushing boundaries and relishes the opportunity to face new strategies from his rivals.
“Tadej respects every rider and team he competes against,” said a spokesperson for UAE Team Emirates. “He knows that staying at the top requires constant evolution, and he’s ready to adapt to whatever challenges come his way.”
Bjarne Riis’ critique of Pogacar’s rivals may be controversial, but it underscores a crucial point about the nature of competition. Dominance, while impressive, risks diminishing the unpredictability that makes cycling thrilling. For the sport to thrive, innovation and strategic brilliance must come to the forefront.
As the 2025 season looms on the horizon, Pogacar’s rivals face a daunting yet exciting challenge: to rise above their frustrations and devise bold, creative strategies to dethrone the Slovenian sensation. Whether they succeed or falter, one thing is certain—the future of cycling promises to be as captivating as ever.