Tim Wellens, a talented cyclist in his own right, did not hold back. Wellens argued that Pogacar, despite being just 25 years old, has already secured remarkable wins in prestigious races such as the Tour de France, showcasing his dominant performance.
Wellens emphasized that Pogacar’s victories across varied Grand Tours are a clear indication of his potential to become one of the greatest cyclists of all time. He even went so far as to say that comparing Pogacar to Merckx is not only fair but necessary to understand how much progress the sport has made in recent years.
However, this wasn’t the end of the controversy. As the debate raged on, many cycling fans, analysts, and other riders chimed in. Some agreed with de Vlaeminck, claiming that while Pogacar’s achievements are impressive, they fall short of Merckx’s legendary records and accomplishments. Eddy Merckx, widely regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, amassed 525 career wins, including five Tour de France titles and multiple Giro d’Italia victories. The bar Merckx set in the cycling world is extraordinarily high, and many feel Pogacar still has years of dominance ahead to even come close to such an illustrious legacy.
On the other hand, there were those who argued that Pogacar’s meteoric rise is more than enough to put him in the same conversation as Merckx. Riders like Wellens emphasized the speed and versatility Pogacar has shown, conquering both the Tour de France and various one-day classics. With two Tour de France victories by the age of 22 and a steady string of major wins, Pogacar has already carved out a place in cycling history, challenging what many thought was impossible for a rider so young.
What makes this story even more intriguing is the personal dynamics between these cycling giants. Roger de Vlaeminck, often dubbed the “King of the Classics,” is known for his no-nonsense attitude and strong opinions. His comments may have been provocative, but they stem from decades of experience on the toughest roads in cycling. Merckx’s shadow looms large over cycling, and de Vlaeminck’s stance appears to be rooted in a fierce desire to protect that legacy.
Meanwhile, Wellens’ defense of Pogacar is more than just a comment on statistics. His passion for the sport and admiration for Pogacar’s talent shines through in his defense. Wellens sees Pogacar not just as a rising star, but as a new benchmark for excellence in cycling, pushing the boundaries of what was previously thought possible.
The debate has now taken a life of its own, extending beyond the cycling world to fans and media outlets everywhere. Cycling forums are flooded with passionate discussions about whether Pogacar can eventually surpass Merckx’s record or if he will become another great champion with a legacy of his own, distinct from that of the Belgian legend. With the cycling world hanging on every word and prediction, it seems the conversation surrounding Pogacar’s future and Merckx’s legacy is far from over.
But the drama doesn’t stop there. Behind the scenes, sources close to Pogacar have revealed that the young Slovenian cyclist has been deeply affected by the constant comparisons to Merckx. This emotional toll is taking a new turn as Pogacar prepares for the upcoming season. Whether these statements from de Vlaeminck are a form of motivation or distraction remains to be seen. It’s clear that this conflict is far from resolved, and both cyclists are set to make waves at the next major Grand Tour.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Pogacar, Wellens, and de Vlaeminck as their rivalry grows, and the cycling world eagerly anticipates what could be the next chapter in the evolution of cycling’s greatest stories. Will Pogacar rise to the occasion and cement his legacy, or will de Vlaeminck’s comments become the catalyst for a new kind of rivalry in the sport? Only time will tell.
