Tadej Pogacar's dominance in cycling is unparalleled, according to his peers. Three Grand Tour champions, Nairo Quintana, Egan Bernal, and Vincenzo Nibali, have collectively proclaimed that Pogacar will continue to reign supreme in cycling beyond 2026. Quintana, in particular, delivered a striking verdict during the Giro de Rigo event in Colombia, stating that Pogacar's strength surpasses even his own peak performance, and that the Slovenian's prowess is unmatched in the history of competitive cycling. He emphasized Pogacar's versatility, noting his absence of weaknesses across various terrains, race styles, and scenarios.
Bernal, a Tour and Giro champion, echoed this sentiment, dismissing suggestions that the 2024 Tour de France route was designed to neutralize Pogacar. He praised Pogacar's consistency, stating that he will always be the favorite to win, regardless of the race format, be it a time trial or a traditional stage race. Nibali, a triple Grand Tour champion, further solidified Pogacar's status by drawing parallels between him and Eddy Merckx, one of cycling's most revered icons.
The current era of cycling is witnessing Pogacar's ascendancy, and his near-total command of the modern peloton has already significantly impacted the sport. With rivals like Nibali, Bernal, and Quintana conceding to his supremacy, the anticipation for 2026 and the upcoming races is intensifying. If their assessments hold true, this era may not just be remembered as Pogacar's era but as the era defined by his unparalleled dominance.
