Tadej Pogacar Declared 'Greatest Cyclist Ever' by Legends Contador and Merckx in New Documentary

Tadej Pogacar has been lauded as “the greatest cyclist of all time” by Spanish cycling icon Alberto Contador in a new documentary that chronicles the remarkable ascent of the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider. The series, titled 'The Anatomy of a G.O.A.T,' is airing on Eurosport, TNT Sports, and HBO Max, focusing on the elite of the sporting world, with its inaugural episode dedicated to the Slovenian superstar Pogacar.

The 28-year-old achieved a record-equalling fifth Tour de France victory this season, alongside his 13th one-day Monument title. His campaign was tragically cut short in August by a severe crash that ended his season and dashed his hopes of securing a maiden Vuelta a Espana crown.

While the documentary delves into the “science behind the greatest athletes of all time,” it also features intimate interviews with Pogacar's parents, fellow cyclists, and the rider himself. Two of cycling's most revered figures, Eddy Merckx and Contador, both attest to Pogacar's exceptional talent.

“I believe Tadej Pogacar is the greatest cyclist of all time,” stated Contador, a seven-time Grand Tour winner. He elaborated, “Tadej wants to win everything. I think he aims to secure as many Monuments, Tour de France titles, and world championship titles as possible, in addition to winning as many individual stages as he can at the Tour de France. If you really think about it, it’s very difficult to find an athlete from any other sport throughout history who has been so vastly superior to their rivals. I was reflecting on this and thought of Usain Bolt. But, of course, Tadej Pogacar displays this level of dominance in every single race he enters, from February through October.”

Belgian legend Merckx, himself a five-time Tour de France winner, conceded that Pogacar “is now above me” in the pantheon of cycling greats. “He isn't scared to attack,” remarked the 81-year-old, whose aggressive racing style earned him the moniker 'The Cannibal.' “It’s bringing back a form of cycling that we had forgotten … he isn't scared to attack. When he’s at the Tour de France wearing the yellow jersey, he attacks. He’s quite like me in that regard. Cycling is more than just stage races or Classics. A great rider has to win both Classics and stage races to be a true champion, after all.”

Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France winner, recounted an anecdote that highlighted Pogacar's extraordinary abilities. “There was one time when I was riding with Pog in Liege, and he was cruising along at over 400 watts,” Thomas recalled. “He pulled up next to me and just started chatting. And I thought, ‘Mate, I can’t really talk right now; I need to focus on getting up this climb as best I can.’ But he’s definitely got an extra gear or two compared to me – there’s no doubt about that.”

Pogacar's mother, Marjeta, described him as a happy, carefree child with a competitive spirit that runs through the family. “He was always a very cheerful, very happy child,” she said. “He always enjoyed everything he did – even when mowing the lawn, he would sing; he would listen to music. He really did things with pleasure. And I always say that this is a way everyone should copy – do everything you do with pleasure, singing and laughing. Life would be much easier and more beautiful.” She added, “I think we were all very competitive – even playing Scrabble or board games, or playing ball games, it was always a competition. Not just Tadej, but the whole family.”

Pogacar, who turned professional in 2019, has recently signed a new contract with UAE Team Emirates-XRG and is already planning for the upcoming season. However, he downplays the notion of wanting to win every race. “No, I would not say I want to win everything,” he stated. “But after so many questions from journalists about what I want to achieve, it would be nice to add some other races from the World Tour to the palmares. But no rush, no stress, just live in the moment, and go from race to race, and whatever comes next, I will be grateful.”