After a monumental 2024 season, Tadej Pogačar continues to draw comparisons to cycling legend Eddy Merckx. Following the Slovenian’s incredible victory at the World Championships, Merckx himself weighed in on the discussion, offering praise while maintaining a clear distinction between their achievements.
Merckx acknowledged Pogačar’s brilliance in an interview with Relevo, stating, “His victory was exceptional, certainly unique. Something that has rarely been seen in cycling.” However, he clarified that his comment about Pogačar being “superior” referred only to the World Championships: “I was referring to what he did at the World Championships, to that particular course. It was incredible, but beyond that, I don’t think Pogačar is superior to me. He’s won only three Tours. He has a long way to go to be better than Eddy Merckx.”
While Pogačar’s performance this season may be unparalleled in modern times—having completed the triple crown of the Giro, Tour de France, and World Championships—Merckx’s palmarès still set him apart. The Belgian legend’s résumé includes 11 grand tours (5 Tours, 5 Giros, and 1 Vuelta), 19 Monument wins, and a staggering 525 professional victories. At age 26, Pogačar has won 4 grand tours and 6 Monuments, with 86 professional wins, an impressive tally but still far from Merckx’s towering achievements.
Merckx, unambiguous in his self-assessment, stated: “I don’t know if it’s right for me to say it, but I am the best cyclist in history. Few raced and won as much as I did, from January to December.”
As Tadej Pogačar’s meteoric rise continues, the comparisons will persist, but for now, the Cannibal still holds his reign.
