Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has been making waves in the sport with his impressive palmarès. His recent victory at the Tour de Romandie adds another accolade to his already impressive collection of titles. But the question remains: what's next for Pogačar, and how does he plan to fill the gaps in his illustrious career? In this article, I'll delve into Pogačar's ambitions, his stage race selections, and the classics he's yet to conquer. Get ready for a deep dive into the mind of a cycling genius and the future of the sport.
Pogačar's Palmares and the Quest for Completeness
Pogačar's decision to target the Tour de Romandie was an intriguing one, given his previous focus on the classics. His choice highlights a broader narrative: Pogačar's desire to diversify his victories and not simply add the same races to his palmarès year after year. This is a common trend among top cyclists, who often seek to complete a set of prestigious titles before hanging up their shoes.
As Pogačar himself stated, "There's still a lot of big races left, but let's go one by one and see how far we can come." This mindset is what drives him to explore new races and challenge himself in different ways. It's a testament to his ambition and the desire to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
The 'Big Seven' Stage Races: A Hierarchy of Prestige
Beyond the three Grand Tours, there's a vague hierarchy of week-long races known as the 'big seven'. These races are considered the most historic and prestigious in the world of cycling, and they include Paris-Nice, Tirreno-Adriatico, Volta a Catalunya, Itzulia Basque Country, and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (previously known as the Dauphiné).
Pogačar has already ticked off several of these races, including Romandie, and he's set to make his debut at the Tour de Suisse in June. However, the two missing races from this list are Itzulia and the Tour de Pologne. Pogačar's decision to prioritize certain races over others is a strategic one, as he aims to balance his classics and stage race victories.
The Missing Links: Grand Tours and Stage Races
When it comes to Grand Tours, the obvious missing link in Pogačar's palmarès is the Vuelta a España. He has already achieved success in the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, and the Vuelta represents the final piece of the puzzle. Pogačar has indicated his interest in targeting the Vuelta, but it's not yet baked into his schedule.
The timing of the Vuelta is crucial, as it's set to start in mid-September, which aligns with the Road World Championships in Montréal. Pogačar's preference for the Canadian one-day races over another exerting three weeks of racing makes sense, given his previous success in those events.
The Classics: Pogačar's Obsession and the Missing Piece
The classics are where Pogačar truly shines, and the only missing piece in his collection is Paris-Roubaix. He has already defied all modern-day logic to become one of the greatest classics riders of all time, and Roubaix represents the ultimate test of his abilities. Only three riders have won all five Monuments: Eddy Merckx, Rik Van Looy, and Roger De Vlaeminck.
Pogačar has already made a habit of the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and he recently cracked Milan-San Remo. If he can conquer Roubaix, his greatness will be further enshrined. However, the race might just prove untameable for even the most dominant classics riders.
The Olympics: A Crucial Part of Pogačar's Future
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will be a crucial part of Pogačar's career. By that time, he'll be 33, and it's unclear if he'll still be competing at the top level. The 2024 Olympics in Paris were skipped due to fatigue, and Pogačar's focus is currently on the World Championships and the Canadian one-day races.
Records and Legacy: Pogačar's Quest for Greatness
Pogačar is on track to break several records, including the all-time record for Tour de France titles, which is currently held by Eddy Merckx. He's also on pace to surpass Mark Cavendish's record for Tour de France stage wins. His success in the classics and stage races alike cements his place among the greatest cyclists of all time.
In conclusion, Tadej Pogačar's quest for completeness is a fascinating journey. His strategic approach to race selection, his obsession with the classics, and his desire to break records all contribute to a compelling narrative. As he continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in cycling, we can only marvel at his talent and ambition. The future of the sport is in good hands with riders like Pogačar leading the way.
