Sean Kelly Hails Tadej Pogačar as One of the Best Cyclists of His Era
Tadej Pogačar, the young Slovenian rider, has been making waves in the cycling world, with many drawing comparisons to legendary figures like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault. Among those offering high praise is the legendary Irish cyclist Sean Kelly, himself a former dominant figure in the sport. Kelly, a seven-time winner of the Paris-Nice and a revered commentator, has watched Pogačar’s rise with keen interest, calling him “one of the best cyclists of his time.”
Since bursting onto the international scene with his third-place finish in the 2019 Vuelta a España, Pogačar has captured the attention of cycling enthusiasts around the world. At only 22 years old, he stunned the world by winning the Tour de France in 2020, and repeated his triumph in 2021, cementing his reputation as one of the brightest talents in professional cycling.
Pogačar’s combination of tactical intelligence, climbing ability, and fearlessness in the peloton has earned him many admirers. Sean Kelly, a man whose name is synonymous with cycling excellence, has been particularly vocal about Pogačar’s versatility and resilience.
Sean Kelly is no stranger to greatness, having enjoyed a stellar career himself in the 1980s and early 1990s. Known for his dominance in stage races, classics, and time trials, Kelly earned the reputation as one of the hardest riders in the peloton. So, when Kelly speaks highly of a current rider, the cycling community listens.
In recent interviews, Kelly has expressed his deep admiration for Pogačar’s ability to perform at the highest level in both grand tours and one-day classics. Kelly praised Pogačar for his aggressive racing style and tactical brilliance, qualities that have helped the Slovenian outmaneuver even the most experienced competitors. According to Kelly, what sets Pogačar apart is his ability to deliver in crucial moments, no matter the race terrain.
“He is special because he doesn’t just sit back and wait for the perfect opportunity. He creates opportunities,” Kelly said. “Whether it’s attacking in the mountains or outfoxing his rivals on the flat, Pogačar is always in control of the race. That’s what you want to see in a true champion.”
Perhaps Pogačar’s most significant achievement to date has been his back-to-back victories in the Tour de France in 2020 and 2021. The Tour is often regarded as the most prestigious and grueling race in the cycling calendar, requiring not just physical prowess but mental fortitude and team strategy. Pogačar, however, showed an uncanny ability to handle the pressure of the event, winning both editions through a combination of attacking rides in the mountains and stellar time-trial performances.
Kelly was especially impressed by Pogačar’s 2020 victory, which was sealed in the penultimate stage time trial at La Planche des Belles Filles. Coming from behind to overtake Primož Roglič, Pogačar’s ride was hailed as one of the most dramatic moments in the history of the Tour de France. “That ride was something else,” Kelly remarked. “To see someone so young, with such composure, take the yellow jersey on the final weekend of the Tour—it’s the stuff of legends.”
Beyond his Tour victories, Pogačar has proven to be more than just a grand tour rider. His success in one-day races, such as his triumph in the 2021 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, has shown that he is capable of excelling across multiple disciplines in the sport. His 2023 win in the Tour of Flanders was another standout moment, further proving his adaptability and talent in different race formats.
Kelly has long emphasized the importance of versatility in defining a cyclist’s greatness. He noted that Pogačar’s ability to win in the one-day classics, stage races, and grand tours places him among the cycling greats. “The great champions are the ones who can compete at the highest level across all kinds of races,” Kelly explained. “Pogačar can win in the mountains, he can win in time trials, and he can win in the one-day races. He’s already shown that.”
While comparisons to the likes of Eddy Merckx or Bernard Hinault may seem premature, Kelly believes that Pogačar is on the right track to becoming one of the all-time greats. “Of course, he’s still young, and we don’t know what the future holds, but if he keeps performing the way he has been, he could be one of the best we’ve ever seen.”
Kelly highlighted Pogačar’s composure under pressure and his eagerness to take risks as factors that make him stand out. “The way he races reminds me of the greats. He’s not afraid to attack, even when it’s risky, and that’s what makes him exciting to watch. He rides like a champion.”
A Future Full of Promise
Sean Kelly’s endorsement of Pogačar is significant, given Kelly’s own illustrious career and his expertise as a commentator and analyst. Pogačar’s journey in professional cycling is still in its early stages, but if he continues to race with the same determination and skill, his legacy could well rival that of the sport’s most iconic figures.
Kelly has no doubt that the Slovenian rider has the potential to dominate cycling for years to come. “If he stays healthy and keeps the same hunger, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. He’s already one of the best of his generation, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re talking about him as one of the best ever in a few years.
Sean Kelly’s praise for Tadej Pogačar is a testament to the Slovenian’s exceptional talent and impact on the sport. With a racing style that combines aggression, intelligence, and versatility, Pogačar has already established himself as a force to be reckoned with in modern cycling. For Kelly and many others, Pogačar is not just one of the best cyclists of his time—he is a rider whose potential greatness might one day be remembered alongside the legends of the sport. As Pogačar continues to evolve, the cycling world will undoubtedly be watching closely, with legends like Sean Kelly leading the chorus of praise.
