Teams & Riders Tadej Pogačar discussion thread

[mariosommelier]

On the flip side Visma thought they had Pogacar right where they wanted him because of that, till he destroyed them on stage 15.

And it was glorious to see.

 

[scribers]

Its just getting started with the new program is the word in the peloton so hold on tight. He is the most rare case of specimen cycling have ever seen. Which goes without saying with his new climbing level along with the pure power on all terrain.

I’m here for it!!

 

[scribers]

On the flip side Visma thought they had Pogacar right where they wanted him because of that, till he destroyed them on stage 15.

I followed your comments after Vingo was hospitalized and wondering what you think about what we just witnessed from Vingo. It doesn’t seem possible to me. Or was it all greatly exaggerated?

 

[SHAD0W93]

I followed your comments after Vingo was hospitalized and wondering what you think about what we just witnessed from Vingo. It doesn’t seem possible to me. Or was it all greatly exaggerated?

I talked about it in the other side a little. Besides that, just a lot of hard work and great recovery. Like someone said, a miracle will happen, there was just a higher one that occurred at the same time.

 

[Peyroteo94]

Pogacar took a huge leap this year, Sola really did something different compared to San Millan and Pogacar responded really well. This put some doubts in San Millan's coaching ability. I don't forget Pogacar became the best rider in the world under his supervision but I started to wonder if Pogacar was the best because of San Millan or if he was the best because he simply has way more talent than other riders. He really brought an all new game this year, specially in the long mountains.

 

[Salvarani]

Pogacar took a huge leap this year, Sola really did something different compared to San Millan and Pogacar responded really well. This put some doubts in San Millan's coaching ability. I don't forget Pogacar became the best rider in the world under his supervision but I started to wonder if Pogacar was the best because of San Millan or if he was the best because he simply has way more talent than other riders. He really brought an all new game this year, specially in the long mountains.

Probably a combination of both and truly amazing stuff.

Workrate + insane talent can only do this!

Pog the GOAT

 

[snipeheem]

Pogacar took a huge leap this year, Sola really did something different compared to San Millan and Pogacar responded really well. This put some doubts in San Millan's coaching ability. I don't forget Pogacar became the best rider in the world under his supervision but I started to wonder if Pogacar was the best because of San Millan or if he was the best because he simply has way more talent than other riders. He really brought an all new game this year, specially in the long mountains.

He literally became the greatest climber of all time under Sola

 

[Krzysztof_O]

He literally became the greatest climber of all time under Sola

The best/the fastest would be more adequate. There've been a lot of great climbers in the past. However, Pog is already among the greatest (considering sheer number of his wins in mountains, absolute level aside).

 

[Peyroteo94]

The best/the fastest would be more adequate. There've been a lot of great climbers in the past. However, Pog is already among the greatest (considering sheer number of his wins in mountains, absolute level aside).

If he mantains this level for 2 or 3 years, there won't be a debate about him being the best climber of all times.

 

[Froome]

He literally became the greatest climber of all time under Sola

He became the greatest climber this year, and it was because of Gianetti and Matxin with the resources from the UAE.

It wasn't because of Sola, otherwise the best coach in the world is the coach of Landa who was able to improve in 5 % a guy of 34 years.

 

[Salvarani]

He literally became the greatest climber of all time under Sola

Amazing what he can do with his great talent and a good trainer by his side. He continues to improve, which is incredible. It all makes sense.

 

[Offline]

He became the greatest climber this year, and it was because of Gianetti and Matxin with the resources from the UAE.

UAE has been years behind Visma/Jumbo. I see Pogacar and UAE’s great year to be a sign that UAE close a bit of that whole to Visma on training, nutrition, data etc. But I still think they behind and next step to upgrade must be their sports directors.

 

[Peter von]

UAE has been years behind Visma/Jumbo. I see Pogacar and UAE’s great year to be a sign that UAE close a bit of that whole to Visma on training, nutrition, data etc. But I still think they behind and next step to upgrade must be their sports directors.

I mean at least UAE sports directors were kinda capable of deciding on a leader, unlike what ever Jumbo was doing at the Vuelta last year.

 

[Rob5091]

I think we can pencil in Pogi doing the Vuelta in 2026 as it's starting on his doorstep, and the Tour's starting in Barcelona, so it's all just a jaunt along the coast.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

If he doesn't want to follow my advice of him doing all three Grand Tours every year, I think he should do a full classics season next year with main focus on Paris-Roubaix, which he should be a top 3 favorite for (I think he has a better chance winning Paris-Roubaix than Milan-Sanremo), and then Tour-Vuelta.

 

[Salvarani]

If he doesn't want to follow my advice of him doing all three Grand Tours every year, I think he should do a full classics season next year with main focus on Paris-Roubaix, which he should be a top 3 favorite for (I think he has a better chance winning Paris-Roubaix than Milan-Sanremo), and then Tour-Vuelta.

Advising him to do all three GTs every year is poor advice, imo. Running the risk of burning out really quick. Why would you want that?

I also think doing a full classics season might be spreading himself too thin.

MSR, LBL, Giro, Tour, Worlds and Lombardia is doable... clearly. Maybe the perfect schedule and everything has worked out so far. It is not a given it will always be like that though.

He could opt for MSR, LBL, Tour, Vuelta, Worlds and Lombardia. I think that could be possible but maybe not yet.

He could also do a full classics campaign. MSR, Ronde, PR, LBL... but then I would only do the Tour. Followed by Worlds and Lombardia.

PR still being 50/50, if he will do it at this stage of his career.

 

[James M]

Boy wonder grew Up!

Crazy stuff; wonder how it will look if someone gives him a proper fight next years Tour.

Exactly. Boy wonder grown up to be straight up monster who has a ftp of 7w/kg. And can do 7.30 w/kg 40min at end of stages (at least) in the heat its otherworldly at this point.

 

[James M]

UAE will just set a tempo with Yates at 7w +/kg for a while since none else has that threshold everyone will be in the red and Teddy can sustain and will just ride away seemingly with ease again.
FTP of 7w/kg is the highest ever seen in cycling its bonkers.

 

[Hugo Koblet]

Advising him to do all three GTs every year is poor advice, imo. Running the risk of burning out really quick. Why would you want that?

I also think doing a full classics season might be spreading himself too thin.

MSR, LBL, Giro, Tour, Worlds and Lombardia is doable... clearly. Maybe the perfect schedule and everything has worked out so far. It is not a given it will always be like that though.

He could opt for MSR, LBL, Tour, Vuelta, Worlds and Lombardia. I think that could be possible but maybe not yet.

He could also do a full classics campaign. MSR, Ronde, PR, LBL... but then I would only do the Tour. Followed by Worlds and Lombardia.

PR still being 50/50, if he will do it at this stage of his career.

Well, clearly I don't want him to burn out. The question is if he will. Now, I'm certainly no expert in the area as most of us aren't, but is there any evidence that you risk burning out faster if you do all three Grand Tours? Doing the three Grand Tours, the five monuments and Worlds is 69 race days. Perhaps on the higher end of the spectrum, but definitely not unheard of. There's of course some cumulative fatigue in the Grand Tours but on the other hand, a one day race is much harder than many Grand Tour stages. Besides, Pogacar is a physical freak and should be able to do a harder schedule than most others.

 

[scribers]

It might help him to stop trying to win every stage for minutes too. Unnecessary effort. He’s never lost a race because he didn’t squeeze every second out of every stage so why race like it.

 

[Salvarani]

Well, clearly I don't want him to burn out. The question is if he will. Now, I'm certainly no expert in the area as most of us aren't, but is there any evidence that you risk burning out faster if you do all three Grand Tours? Doing the three Grand Tours, the five monuments and Worlds is 69 race days. Perhaps on the higher end of the spectrum, but definitely not unheard of. There's of course some cumulative fatigue in the Grand Tours but on the other hand, a one day race is much harder than many Grand Tour stages. Besides, Pogacar is a physical freak and should be able to do a harder schedule than most others.

It is risky and a risk he doesnt need to take. It would just be stupid, imo.

I believe a lot of people would only dare him to do it or hope he does it, just to potentially ruin himself. Not saying you are.

He should keep doing what he wants.

Aim for 2-3 monuments, potentially 4. 2 GTs, with the second one being optional, and then worlds. It is already heavy and a lot.

Doing more is potentially only damaging, both physically and mentally.

 

[Purito91]

I think he will focus on the cobble classics in the first part of the season and then will do the tour vuelta double.

Maybe something like this.

Omloop
Strade bianchi
Mailand san remo
E3
Gent wevelgem
Ronde
Roubaix
Dauphine
Tour
Vuelta
Worlds
Lombardia

Without the ardennes classics he has enough time to rest and to loose a few kilos.

 

[Rob5091]

Wasn't he quite rumored to do Giro again? Can't see him skipping the Tour at all.

2025? I suppose if RCS thinks it's money well spent to get Pogacar to the Giro again (even though it might be more of a predictable win then this year). The proximity of Slovenia, and trying to tempt Pogacar with a second Giro/Tour double might get RCS to put up some worthwhile cash. It does mess up his Spring races but what's he got left to win, Milan-San Remo & Paris Roubaix?
People have been dreaming of getting Vingegaard to do the Giro too, but he's too much like Froome, in my opinion, and aims to be 100% at the Tour and that's it. Roglic wants one more shot at the Tour and so does Remco.
2026? How bored is Pogi? More Spring races and a Tour/Vuelta double? A little financial incentive and maybe Vingegaard does the Vuelta too, then bang! It's showtime, baby!

 

[Salvarani]

I think he will focus on the cobble classics in the first part of the season and then will do the tour vuelta double.

Maybe something like this.

Omloop
Strade bianchi
Mailand san remo
E3
Gent wevelgem
Ronde
Roubaix
Dauphine
Tour
Vuelta
Worlds
Lombardia

Without the ardennes classics he has enough time to rest and to loose a few kilos.

Something like that works as well, but I am not sure he will do that type of schedule next season already. We will see

 

[Salvarani]

3 GTs is doable, and I don't think the burn rate is that much higher if you actually start the seasons slow. The only way this year is a missed opportunity is cause Vingegaard is skipping the Vuelta.

It is doable, but he shouldnt do it. It would be stupid. Firm in my opinion on that.