Completely stunned Merckx and Roche welcome Pogacar to elite club: “This guy is second to none”
In the world of professional cycling, few feats stand as tall as the Triple Crown—the rare accomplishment of winning the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and World Championship in a single year. Until now, only two legends, Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche, had managed the remarkable achievement. In 2024, Tadej Pogacar has become the third cyclist to enter this elite club, stunning the world with his dominant performances across all three prestigious races.
Merckx and Roche, both in awe of the Slovenian’s accomplishment, praised the young rider’s incredible talent and tenacity. Merckx, the Belgian icon who secured his Triple Crown in 1974, shared his admiration with Le Parisien, admitting that Pogacar’s attack 100 kilometers before the finish line was something even he wouldn’t have dared. “It’s incredible what he has done; I can’t find the words for it. This man is second to none,” Merckx said, laughing that the boldness of Pogacar’s strategy left him fearing for the young rider. “Winning with such an attack is impossible, but he did it anyway.”
Pogacar, now often compared to Merckx and referred to as the “new Merckx,” has shown a remarkable drive that reminds the cycling world of the Belgian’s own glory days. “He is the strongest of his generation; there is no doubt about that,” Merckx added. “At my age, nothing surprises me anymore, but Pogacar succeeded in that.”
Stephen Roche, who last claimed the Triple Crown in 1987, was equally stunned by Pogacar’s dominance. “It’s been 37 years since I pulled it off. I thought it was impossible for anyone to do it again,” Roche told NOS. “But Pogacar’s superhuman performance proves that it’s still achievable. This year was his moment, and he seized it.”
Pogacar’s entry into the exclusive Triple Crown club marks a historic moment in cycling, and both Merckx and Roche welcomed him with open arms, acknowledging that his remarkable year will be remembered as one of the sport’s greatest triumphs.
