Sean Kelly Declares Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel Among Cycling’s Top Five Legends: A Historic Recognition of Modern Greatness
Sean Kelly, one of the most celebrated names in the history of professional cycling, has stirred both admiration and debate with his recent declaration: Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel deserve places among the five greatest riders of all time. For a sport steeped in tradition and marked by iconic names like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault, Kelly’s bold statement elevates the stature of these modern-day prodigies and raises questions about how greatness is measured across generations.
The Weight of Sean Kelly’s Words
As a rider, Sean Kelly epitomized grit and dominance during his illustrious career in the 1980s and early 1990s. The Irishman’s record includes nine Monument victories, a Vuelta a España title, and seven consecutive wins in the prestigious Paris-Nice stage race. Widely regarded as one of the most versatile and relentless cyclists in history, Kelly’s opinions on the sport carry significant weight.
His acknowledgment of Pogačar and van der Poel is more than a compliment—it is a paradigm shift. For Kelly, a figure often associated with the “golden age” of cycling, to compare contemporary stars to the likes of Merckx, Hinault, Fausto Coppi, and Jacques Anquetil, is both a testament to their extraordinary achievements and a reflection of how the sport has evolved.
Why Pogačar and van der Poel?
Tadej Pogačar: The Slovenian Sensation
At just 25 years old, Tadej Pogačar has already assembled a palmarès that rivals some of the greatest careers in cycling. With two Tour de France victories (2020 and 2021), three Monument wins—including back-to-back triumphs at Il Lombardia and an emphatic win at Liège-Bastogne-Liège—and countless stage wins across WorldTour races, Pogačar has proven himself as a rider for all terrains and occasions.
What sets Pogačar apart is his fearless approach to racing. Unlike many modern riders who rely on data-driven strategies, Pogačar embraces the unpredictability of racing, often attacking from improbable positions and turning races on their heads. His relentless aggression at this year’s Tour of Flanders, where he claimed victory in his first serious attempt, exemplified his versatility and determination.
Kelly praised Pogačar for his “old-school” style of racing, saying, “Tadej doesn’t just aim to win; he aims to dominate. He’s a complete rider who can climb, sprint, and time-trial with the best, and his hunger for victory is unmatched. That’s what sets true legends apart.”
Mathieu van der Poel: The Dutch Powerhouse
Mathieu van der Poel’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. The grandson of cycling legend Raymond Poulidor, van der Poel carries the weight of a storied legacy but has carved out his own unique place in the sport. With victories in four Monuments, including two Tour of Flanders titles and a spectacular Paris-Roubaix win, van der Poel has established himself as one of the most dynamic and unpredictable riders of his generation.
Equally at home on the road, in cyclo-cross, and on the mountain bike, van der Poel’s versatility is his hallmark. His jaw-dropping solo attack to win the 2023 World Championship Road Race in Glasgow, overcoming a crash and mechanical issues, showcased his resilience and tactical acumen.
Kelly highlighted van der Poel’s versatility and flair, stating, “Mathieu is a showman, but he’s also one of the hardest workers in the peloton. He’s proven time and again that he can adapt to any discipline and win on his own terms. That’s a rare quality, even among the greatest.”
The Criteria for Greatness
Cycling fans and analysts have long debated what constitutes “greatness.” Is it the sheer number of victories, the significance of those wins, or the manner in which they are achieved? While riders like Eddy Merckx, with his unparalleled 525 professional victories, set an almost unattainable benchmark, Kelly’s recognition of Pogačar and van der Poel suggests that impact and versatility also hold immense value.
Kelly’s list of the five greatest cyclists reportedly includes Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Fausto Coppi alongside Pogačar and van der Poel. This mix of past and present underscores a willingness to embrace evolving standards of excellence.
“Cycling has changed dramatically,” Kelly remarked. “The races are faster, the equipment is better, and the competition is more intense. Riders like Pogačar and van der Poel aren’t just competing against their peers—they’re rewriting what’s possible in the sport.”
The Debate Among Fans and Experts
Unsurprisingly, Kelly’s comments have sparked intense debate within the cycling community. Traditionalists argue that it’s premature to place modern riders alongside legends whose careers spanned decades and whose records remain unbroken. Eddy Merckx himself has often cautioned against comparing riders from different eras, emphasizing the unique challenges of his time.
On the other hand, supporters of Kelly’s assessment point to the incredible physical and mental demands of modern cycling. Today’s riders face deeper fields, more specialized training regimens, and a relentless race calendar that leaves little room for error.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with fans passionately defending their favorite riders. Some argue that Pogačar’s Tour de France wins and Monument victories already place him in the same league as Merckx and Hinault. Others cite van der Poel’s dominance across multiple disciplines as evidence of his unparalleled talent.
What This Means for Cycling’s Future
Kelly’s recognition of Pogačar and van der Poel as two of the sport’s greatest riders is not just a tribute to their achievements but also a reflection of cycling’s evolution. Their success has inspired a new generation of fans and riders, proving that the sport continues to thrive and push boundaries.
As Pogačar and van der Poel continue to build their legacies, the question remains: how will they be remembered in the annals of cycling history? For now, their inclusion in Sean Kelly’s list of the greatest cyclists of all time serves as a powerful affirmation of their impact on the sport.
One thing is certain—Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel are not just shaping the present; they are carving their names into the fabric of cycling’s rich and storied past. And in doing so, they are ensuring that the future of the sport will be brighter than ever.
