“We’ll Talk After My Career!” – Tadej Pogačar Downplays Legacy Talk After 4th Straight Il Lombardia Win
Tadej Pogačar, already cementing himself as one of the most remarkable cyclists of his generation, continues to dazzle the cycling world with his historic achievements. His fourth consecutive victory in the prestigious Il Lombardia race has only fueled the growing conversation about his place in the annals of cycling history. Yet, despite his dominance, Pogačar remains humble and focused, shutting down comparisons to cycling legends and calling for patience in evaluating his legacy. “Let’s see where we are after my career!” he stated, making it clear that he’s not yet concerned with discussions about his standing among the sport’s greatest.
The Rise of a Cycling Phenom
At just 25 years old, Tadej Pogačar has already accomplished more than most professional cyclists could dream of in an entire career. From his back-to-back Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021 to his multiple triumphs in other grand tours and classics, Pogačar has rapidly ascended to the top of the sport. His blend of tactical intelligence, sheer power, and versatility on varied terrain has made him a near-unstoppable force. Whether in the high mountains, time trials, or even punchy one-day classics, Pogačar has shown an ability to win on any stage.
His dominance in Il Lombardia—one of the five monuments of cycling—has only added to his growing mystique. Winning the prestigious Italian race four times in a row places him among the elite few who have mastered the grueling route, which twists through the hilly, challenging terrain of Lombardy. Il Lombardia is renowned for being a climbers’ race, and Pogačar’s excellence on steep inclines, combined with his sharp tactical acumen, makes him a perfect fit for the event. With four successive victories, many have begun to wonder if his name might one day be spoken alongside the greatest in cycling history.
The Pressure of Comparisons
Naturally, given his young age and prolific record, comparisons with cycling legends such as Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain are inevitable. Eddy Merckx, often referred to as “The Cannibal” for his insatiable appetite for victories, won countless grand tours, one-day races, and world championships during his career. Pogačar’s domination in a wide array of races has led some pundits to suggest that he may be the next in line to challenge Merckx’s standing as the greatest of all time.
But Pogačar, ever modest and grounded, is not ready to embrace these lofty comparisons. Following his fourth Il Lombardia triumph, he was quick to dismiss the talk of legacy and historical significance. “I’m just racing my bike and enjoying it,” he said. “We’ll see where we are after my career.” His words reflect his down-to-earth attitude—he is more focused on his love for the sport and competing at his best than on writing his name in the record books.
Pogačar’s response also highlights the immense pressure that often accompanies early success. He recognizes the danger of being distracted by historical comparisons or the weight of expectations. For him, it’s about continuing to evolve as a rider, enjoying the present moment, and not getting ahead of himself.
Il Lombardia 2023: Another Display of Pogačar’s Brilliance
Pogačar’s 2023 Il Lombardia victory was another masterclass in bike racing. Coming into the race as the favorite, Pogačar carried the burden of high expectations from both fans and rivals. The course, known for its punishing ascents like the Madonna del Ghisallo and the infamous Muro di Sormano, demanded both physical endurance and technical skill.
Throughout the race, Pogačar and his UAE Team Emirates squad positioned themselves perfectly. As the peloton reached the key climbing sections, Pogačar attacked with a characteristic burst of acceleration that left his competitors struggling to keep up. As he crested the final climb, Pogačar had already put significant time into his rivals, making the final run into Como a victory lap of sorts.
Crossing the line, Pogačar raised his arms in triumph, celebrating his fourth successive victory in one of cycling’s most iconic races. It was a fitting end to what had been a season filled with highlights, including victories in other classics like the Tour of Flanders. Yet, despite his relentless success, Pogačar’s post-race interview was notably devoid of boastfulness. His focus remained on the effort of his team, the beauty of the race, and his love for the sport.
The Making of a Modern Champion
While the comparisons with cycling’s past greats may be tempting, Pogačar is writing his own story, shaped by the modern era of the sport. The demands of today’s racing, with its technological advances, the prominence of data analysis, and the heightened level of competition, make Pogačar’s achievements all the more impressive. He has embraced the science of cycling, meticulously monitoring his training, nutrition, and recovery to stay at the peak of his powers.
His versatility is also something that sets him apart. Pogačar’s ability to win in the high mountains, on cobbled roads, and in time trials makes him unique among his contemporaries. While many riders specialize in specific disciplines, Pogačar seems capable of excelling in them all. His victory in the Tour of Flanders, one of the most prestigious one-day races, proved that he could handle the rough, cobbled climbs of Belgium just as well as the alpine passes of the Tour de France.
This adaptability is a key reason why some are quick to draw comparisons with Eddy Merckx, who famously dominated every kind of race he entered. Yet, Pogačar seems intent on avoiding being labeled as the “next Merckx,” preferring instead to carve out his own path in the sport.
Humility and the Long Road Ahead
Pogačar’s humility is one of his most endearing qualities. While some athletes might be quick to embrace the hype and historical comparisons, Pogačar seems content to let his results speak for themselves. He understands that the legacy of a cyclist is built over a long career, not in a few seasons of success.
When asked if he thought about his place in history after the race, Pogačar downplayed the idea. “There’s still a long road ahead. I want to keep enjoying what I do, keep improving, and see where that takes me,” he said. For Pogačar, the focus remains on the immediate challenges, the next race, and the joy he finds in competing.
This attitude not only takes pressure off him but also allows him to continue enjoying his career without being burdened by the weight of expectation. His ability to stay grounded, even in the face of overwhelming success, is a testament to his character and maturity beyond his years.
What’s Next for Pogačar?
While the 2023 season has been a resounding success, Pogačar shows no signs of slowing down. Looking ahead to 2024 and beyond, he is expected to target more victories in the monuments and grand tours, including the Tour de France, where he will likely face off against rival Jonas Vingegaard once again. Pogačar has made it clear that he relishes these challenges, viewing every race as an opportunity to grow and learn.
There’s also speculation that Pogačar may aim to add the other three monuments—Paris-Roubaix, Milan-San Remo, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège—to his collection. While winning all five monuments is a rare feat achieved by only a handful of cyclists, if anyone in the modern era is capable of doing it, Pogačar is certainly a prime candidate.
A Legend in the Making, But Not Yet Defined
Tadej Pogačar’s fourth consecutive Il Lombardia victory has only intensified the conversation about his place in cycling history. Yet, despite the mounting accolades and inevitable comparisons to legends like Merckx, Pogačar remains focused on the present. His words, “Let’s see where we are after my career,” serve as a reminder that he is still in the midst of his journey. While fans and analysts may debate his legacy, Pogačar’s eyes remain fixed on the road ahead, where countless more victories—and perhaps a lasting place in the pantheon of cycling—await.
For now, Pogačar’s story is one of brilliance in the making, with much more to come. He has already proven himself as one of the best riders of his generation, and with time on his side, his future achievements may one day make those legacy discussions impossible to ignore. Until then, Tadej Pogačar will keep doing what he loves—racing his bike and letting history take care of itself.
