The cycling world was shaken this week after Dutch analyst and former professional rider Thijs Zonneveld delivered one of his most dramatic takes yet on two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar. Speaking on the latest episode of the In de Waaier podcast, Zonneveld claimed that modern cycling is “entering a crisis” — not because of cheating or doping, but because Pogacar’s brilliance is reaching a level that threatens to make competition meaningless.
“Cycling isn’t collapsing from scandal,” Zonneveld said in a fiery tone. “It’s collapsing because Pogacar is too good, too perfect, too consistent. He’s rewriting what we thought was humanly possible — and the rest of the peloton simply can’t keep up.” His comments immediately went viral, dividing fans across Europe between admiration and disbelief. Zonneveld went on to describe Pogacar as “the most beautiful nightmare” the sport has ever seen. He praised the Slovenian for his astonishing dominance, his relentless attacking style, and his ability to win both classics and grand tours with the same effortless grace. “We used to dream of the perfect rider,” he said. “Now that he exists, we realize how terrifying that dream really is.”
But the most shocking part came at the end of the podcast. Zonneveld hinted at a “hidden truth” behind Pogacar’s unshakable form — something he claimed has been quietly known within the cycling world for years. He didn’t accuse Pogacar of wrongdoing, but his tone carried a mysterious weight. “There’s something about how Pogacar trains, how he lives, how his team supports him,” he said cryptically. “It’s not illegal, it’s not even unfair — but it changes everything.”
Fans flooded social media within minutes, speculating about what Zonneveld meant. Some believed he was referring to UAE Team Emirates’ advanced use of data-driven training and nutrition technology, which has given Pogacar an almost mechanical precision in races. Others suspected Zonneveld was alluding to a mental or philosophical edge — a mindset that allows Pogacar to endure pain, pressure, and expectation in ways no one else can.
Meanwhile, Pogacar has yet to respond. The Slovenian star, fresh off his victory at Tre Valli Varesine, continues to prepare for Il Lombardia — the final Monument of the year — where he could once again crush his rivals and further fuel the debate.
Whatever Zonneveld’s “hidden truth” might be, one thing is certain: Tadej Pogacar is not just redefining cycling — he’s redefining the limits of human performance. And for many, that is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
