The cycling world is grappling with a dominant force that has left many in a state of resignation. Tadej Pogacar's 2025 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, leaving a trail of defeated rivals in its wake. The Slovenian's relentless success has sparked a debate among analysts and fans alike, questioning the future of competitive cycling.
On the Café Koers podcast, Guy Van den Langenbergh and Jan-Pieter De Vlieger from Het Nieuwsblad revealed a sense of hopelessness among the peloton. They argued that even before the final Monument of the year, Il Lombardia, Pogacar's rivals had conceded defeat. The phrase 'You can sense a kind of resignation creeping into the peloton' encapsulates this feeling.
Pogacar's season has been a showcase of his exceptional talent. He not only added three Monuments (Flanders, Liege–Bastogne–Liege, and Il Lombardia) to his resume but also claimed his fourth Tour de France title. His combination of consistency, tactical brilliance, and explosive power has made him a force to be reckoned with.
The sense of inevitability surrounding Pogacar's victories extends beyond smaller teams. Even Team Visma | Lease a Bike, a squad that aimed to become the best in the world, has struggled to find a counter-strategy. Van den Langenbergh noted that the feeling of being 'led to the slaughter' is evident, even among the Dutch team.
This dominance has sparked a broader discussion about the future of the sport. Are Pogacar's achievements a sign of his generational talent, or are they eroding the competitive tension that makes cycling so thrilling? As Pogacar continues to dominate, the question remains: How will the sport adapt to this new reality?
