Here is a polished, publication-ready rewrite of the article. I can adjust tone (more formal, more dramatic, shorter, etc.) if you’d like.
Thomas Voeckler has delivered one of the most pointed assessments yet of the state of modern men’s cycling — applauding Tadej Pogačar’s extraordinary talent while warning that UAE Team Emirates–XRG’s dominance is creating a competitive imbalance that many teams simply cannot withstand.
Speaking to Cyclism’Actu, the French national coach stressed that Pogačar’s athletic brilliance is indisputable. Yet he admitted the effect on racing has become increasingly problematic.
“Pogačar is admirable. What he does is incredible, with a simplicity and joy in racing that commands respect. But yes: it’s boring.”
Voeckler pointed to the recent European Championships as a clear example. With Pogačar out of reach, he said, the drama shifted entirely to the fight behind him.
“At the European Championships, the interest of the race was… for third place. The public were watching to see who made the podium. You can’t say that’s ideal for suspense.”
For Voeckler, the problem is not just a once-in-a-generation rider, but the structure around him. UAE’s vast resources, he argued, have reshaped the competitive ecosystem.
“When a team signs the best young talents, has the means to optimise everything, and perhaps operates in a financial frame different from teams sponsored by traditional companies, it ends up destabilising the market.”
“A massive influx of money has blown everything up”
He warned that maintaining a place at the top of the WorldTour now demands investment levels far beyond what traditional sponsors can shoulder.
“To exist today inside the world’s top 10, you need a budget that has doubled compared to five years ago. That’s not sustainable for everyone.”
The financial acceleration of the past half-decade, he said, has transformed the sport more dramatically than most fans realise.
“A massive influx of money has blown everything up: salaries, budgets, demands. Some domestiques don’t even benefit from it. Many companies can no longer invest in cycling as before — the amounts are too high.”
Proposals such as salary caps, budget caps or redistribution schemes have not convinced him that an easy solution exists.
“A budget cap could help, but it would need a shared will — and rugby shows that even with a salary cap, there can be loopholes. Putting the brakes on this inflation would help, but it would require huge coordination between teams, the UCI and organisers.”
In the meantime, he said, a select group of riders and teams will continue to hoard victories and ranking points. Without at least one major leader capable of challenging for wins all season, a national team faces an uphill battle in today’s points system.
Paid roadside access? “We must preserve cycling’s free spirit.”
With fresh debate emerging about monetising iconic Tour de France climbs through paid access, Voeckler was unequivocal.
“I think we must preserve cycling’s free access: it’s a powerful symbol.”
He conceded that small, premium hospitality areas could make sense — but warned against tampering with the Tour’s defining openness.
“You could imagine a few very limited premium zones… but if you ask Christian Prudhomme to charge for the last 5 kilometres of Alpe d’Huez, you won’t stay long in his office.”
He reminded fans that television revenue alone cannot fix the sport’s financial imbalance.
“Many races pay to be broadcast. Big organisers make money on some events, but lose money on many others. Redistribution might help, but it won’t rebalance the power between a team like UAE and a more modest formation.”
Voeckler’s hope for 2026: suspense, at last
In perhaps his most telling remark, Voeckler acknowledged what some fans have long felt.
“A bit more suspense… I adore Pogačar, but when he starts a race, the suspense is often limited.”
That reality, he said, already influences race calendars, pushing some riders to avoid events where Pogačar is competing — except the Tour de France, where attendance is non-negotiable.
Still, Voeckler remains optimistic about France’s future. He highlighted several rising talents — Romain Grégoire, Kévin Vauquelin, Paul Magnier among them — who he believes can soon take on bigger roles.
“If some of them reach that next level and become regular outsiders, or more, we’ll have a great season. A more open, more unpredictable 2026: that would be perfect.”
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