Tadej Pogacar Hailed as Greatest Cyclist by Legends
New documentary explores the extraordinary career and competitive dominance of Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar.
1Documentary Profiles Cycling Icon
The new documentary series Anatomy of a G.O.A.T, airing on Eurosport, TNT Sports, and HBO Max, examines the career of Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogacar. The program features interviews with his parents, peers, and the athlete himself to decode the science behind his sustained success and remarkable rise within the professional cycling world.
2Legends Declare Greatest Status
Cycling legends Alberto Contador and Eddy Merckx have publicly labeled the 28-year-old Pogacar as the greatest cyclist of all time. Contador, a seven-time Grand Tour winner, highlighted Pogacar's unique ability to dominate races from February through October, comparing his consistent superiority to the legendary sprinter Usain Bolt’s impact on track athletics.
3Tactical Aggression and Versatility
Eddy Merckx, known as The Cannibal, praised Pogacar for his fearless attacking style while wearing the yellow jersey. Merckx emphasized that a true champion must excel in both stage races and one-day Classics. He conceded that Pogacar has now surpassed his own historical standing in the sport's prestigious all-time pecking order.
4Physical Dominance in Practice
Retired rider Geraint Thomas recounted a training experience where Pogacar maintained a power output exceeding 400 watts while casually chatting. Thomas noted that Pogacar possesses an extra gear compared to his peers, making intense climbs appear effortless. This anecdote illustrates the physical gap between the Slovenian star and his professional contemporaries.
5Competitive Family Roots
Marjeta Pogacar, Tadej's mother, described her son as a cheerful child who approached every task with genuine pleasure. She revealed that the family maintained a deeply competitive environment, even during casual board games like Scrabble. This inherent drive for competition appears to have been a foundational element of his professional development.
6Record-Breaking Season Performance
During the 2026 season, Pogacar achieved a record-equalling fifth Tour de France title and secured his 13th one-day Monument victory. His season was cut short in August following a severe crash during the Vuelta a Espana. Despite this injury, his performance throughout the year solidified his reputation as a generational talent.
7Future Plans and Philosophy
Having recently signed a new contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG, Pogacar is already preparing for the upcoming season. He maintains a grounded perspective, rejecting the notion that he aims to win every single race. Instead, he focuses on living in the moment and approaching each event without unnecessary stress or pressure.
8Legacy of Modern Cycling
Pogacar’s career, which began professionally in 2019, represents a shift in modern cycling dynamics. By blending stage race endurance with the tactical aggression required for one-day Classics, he has redefined expectations for elite riders. His ability to remain competitive across the entire calendar year continues to set a new standard.
Original article: The National — Tadej Pogacar Hailed as Greatest Cyclist by Legends