# Tadej Pogacar Hailed as Greatest Cyclist by Legends New documentary explores the extraordinary career and competitive dominance of Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogacar. - **Source:** [The National](https://www.thenationalnews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7f07f0d1-6597-409c-81e0-a91cf5b377fa ## Documentary 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. ## Legends 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. ## Tactical 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. ## Physical 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. ## Competitive 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. ## Record-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. ## Future 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. ## Legacy 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. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/cycling/2026/11/10/tadej-pogacar-hailed-as-greatest-cyclist-of-all-time-by-alberto-contador-and-eddy-merckx-in-new-documentary/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._