Greg LeMond Praises Tadej Pogačar: “Every Time I See Him on a Bike, I’m Filled with Confidence That He Will Win the Race!”
Greg LeMond, one of the greatest cyclists in the history of the sport, has recently made a powerful statement about his admiration for the young Slovenian phenom, Tadej Pogačar. In a heartfelt message to fans, LeMond expressed his deep respect and belief in Pogačar’s abilities, saying, “Whenever I see him on a bike, I’m filled with confidence that he will win the race.” These words, coming from a three-time Tour de France winner and a legend in the sport, carry immense weight and have further solidified Pogačar’s reputation as one of the most talented riders of his generation.
LeMond’s Legacy and Perspective on Modern Cycling
To fully appreciate LeMond’s praise, it’s important to understand the stature of the man behind the words. Greg LeMond is a pioneer in professional cycling, not only for his athletic achievements but also for his role in advancing the sport in the United States and around the world. LeMond became the first American to win the Tour de France in 1986, a feat he would go on to repeat in 1989 and 1990. His victories in the Tour were marked by his incredible determination, tactical intelligence, and ability to perform under pressure.
LeMond’s career was also shaped by adversity, including a near-fatal hunting accident in 1987 that left him with over 30 shotgun pellets in his body. Despite this life-threatening injury, LeMond returned to the pinnacle of the sport, winning the 1989 Tour de France in one of the most dramatic and closely contested races in history. His ability to overcome immense physical and mental challenges has made him a revered figure in cycling.
Now, as an elder statesman of the sport, LeMond’s opinions and insights are highly valued. His assessment of Tadej Pogačar reflects the wisdom and experience of someone who has not only witnessed the evolution of cycling but also understands the traits that define true greatness.
The Rise of Tadej Pogačar: A New Cycling Phenomenon
Tadej Pogačar has taken the cycling world by storm since bursting onto the professional scene just a few years ago. Born in 1998 in Komenda, Slovenia, Pogačar’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. At the age of 21, he became the youngest rider in over a century to win the Tour de France, a feat he accomplished in 2020. His performance in the mountains, his time trialing ability, and his tactical acumen have made him a force to be reckoned with in the peloton.
Pogačar’s back-to-back Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021 cemented his status as one of the most dominant riders of his generation. He has also excelled in one-day races, with impressive victories in prestigious monuments like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia. His versatility, combining the strengths of a climber, time trialist, and classics specialist, sets him apart from many of his contemporaries.
At such a young age, Pogačar has already achieved what many riders strive for over an entire career. His calm demeanor under pressure, his seemingly effortless ability to conquer the toughest mountain stages, and his instinctive racing style have drawn comparisons to some of the greatest riders in history, including LeMond himself.
LeMond’s Admiration for Pogačar’s Talent and Style
LeMond’s comments about Pogačar reveal not only his appreciation for the young rider’s talent but also an understanding of the unique qualities that make Pogačar stand out. In interviews, LeMond has spoken about Pogačar’s “complete” riding style, emphasizing how the Slovenian excels in multiple aspects of the sport. Whether it’s a grueling climb in the Alps, a fast-paced time trial, or a tactical battle in the wind, Pogačar has shown that he can handle it all.
LeMond has also praised Pogačar’s tactical intelligence, something that was a hallmark of his own career. Pogačar’s ability to read races, make quick decisions, and execute perfectly in critical moments has drawn admiration from cycling veterans like LeMond. In the 2020 Tour de France, for example, Pogačar’s stunning performance in the penultimate time trial shocked the world and secured his victory. That race demonstrated not only his physical strength but also his mental toughness and ability to thrive under pressure.
LeMond, who has witnessed many great riders over the years, sees something special in Pogačar. In his conversations with fans and media, LeMond has spoken about the rare combination of traits that make Pogačar such a formidable rider. His natural talent, combined with his work ethic, humility, and competitive spirit, reminds LeMond of some of the greatest champions in the history of the sport.
Comparing Generations: Pogačar and the Legends of Cycling
LeMond’s endorsement of Pogačar inevitably raises questions about how the Slovenian rider compares to the legends of the past. LeMond himself competed in an era that included greats like Bernard Hinault, Laurent Fignon, and Miguel Indurain. Each generation has its dominant riders, and LeMond has often been asked to compare today’s stars with those he raced against.
When speaking about Pogačar, LeMond has been careful to avoid direct comparisons with past champions, acknowledging that the sport has evolved significantly over the years. The technology, training methods, and even the structure of races have changed, making it difficult to draw clear parallels between eras. However, LeMond has pointed out that Pogačar possesses many of the qualities that defined the greatest riders of the past—resilience, versatility, and an unwavering drive to win.
LeMond’s belief that Pogačar “must win the race” every time he’s on a bike speaks to the young rider’s consistency and reliability. In a sport where even the smallest mistake can cost a rider victory, Pogačar has consistently performed at the highest level, rarely faltering when it matters most. This kind of reliability, coupled with his explosive talent, is what sets Pogačar apart in the eyes of a champion like LeMond.
The Future of Pogačar: Endless Possibilities
As LeMond watches Pogačar’s career unfold, it’s clear that he sees a bright future for the young rider. With two Tour de France victories already under his belt, Pogačar is in a position to challenge for more Grand Tour titles in the coming years. His versatility also means that he can target the biggest one-day races and monuments, further adding to his palmarès.
LeMond has expressed excitement about the future of cycling with riders like Pogačar at the forefront. He believes that Pogačar’s success will inspire a new generation of cyclists and fans, much like LeMond did during his own career. The Slovenian’s style of racing—aggressive, fearless, and entertaining—has already endeared him to fans around the world. LeMond sees Pogačar as a rider who can transcend the sport, bringing new attention and excitement to cycling.
As Pogačar continues to chase more victories, LeMond’s words of admiration will likely resonate with fans and fellow riders alike. The belief that Pogačar is destined for greatness every time he steps onto a bike is shared by many in the cycling world, but coming from a legend like LeMond, the sentiment carries even more significance.
Greg LeMond’s heartfelt praise for Tadej Pogačar underscores the Slovenian rider’s incredible impact on the sport of cycling. LeMond, a three-time Tour de France winner and one of the most respected figures in the sport, has seen many great riders over the years, but his belief that Pogačar is destined to win whenever he’s on a bike speaks volumes about the young rider’s talent and potential.
As Pogačar continues to forge his path in cycling, LeMond’s words will serve as a reminder of the extraordinary qualities that make him such a special athlete. With his versatility, tactical intelligence, and relentless drive to win, Pogačar is poised to leave an indelible mark on the history of cycling—just as LeMond did before him.
