Tadej Pogačar Welcomed into the Triple Crown Club by….. when Everyone Was Saying It’s Not Possible.
Cycling history was made once again as Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar joined the elite ranks of the “Triple Crown Club” — a distinction earned by winning the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and UCI World Road Race Championship. The achievement is regarded as one of the most prestigious in the sport, with only two other riders having accomplished it: Eddy Merckx and Stephen Roche. Roche, the Irish cycling legend who completed the feat in 1987, was on hand to personally welcome Pogačar into the exclusive club. “Everyone was saying it’s not possible,” Roche remarked, reflecting on the skepticism surrounding the possibility of anyone matching his own historic achievement. But in 2024, Pogačar silenced the doubters, cementing his place as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
A New Legend in the Making
Tadej Pogačar has been a rising star in the world of professional cycling ever since he first burst onto the scene.
His journey has been remarkable, marked by a combination of fierce determination, tactical intelligence, and undeniable raw talent. What sets Pogačar apart from many of his peers is not just his ability to dominate in stage races but his versatility across different disciplines within cycling. Whether it’s climbing steep mountains, time-trialling at breakneck speeds, or out-sprinting rivals in a fast finish, Pogačar is a true all-rounder.
The Road to the Triple Crown
Winning the Tour de France is a lifelong dream for many cyclists, but for Pogačar, it has become a familiar routine. His back-to-back victories in 2020 and 2021 at such a young age immediately drew comparisons to greats like Merckx and Bernard Hinault. However, it was his desire to achieve more that led him to target the Giro d’Italia, a race he had yet to conquer. In 2023, he triumphed on Italian soil, confirming his status as one of the top Grand Tour riders of his generation.
But the Triple Crown still eluded him. After conquering both the Tour and the Giro, the only missing piece of the puzzle was the UCI World Road Race Championship. Many wondered whether Pogačar could find success in a one-day race where the strategies and dynamics are vastly different from the multi-week stage races that he excels in. The world championship requires not only stamina but sharp tactical decisions in the heat of the moment, as the race often comes down to an explosive final sprint or a breakaway in the closing kilometers.
Undeterred by the challenge, Pogačar entered the 2024 World Championship as one of the favorites. On a challenging course in Zurich, Switzerland, featuring relentless climbs and tricky descents, Pogačar delivered a masterclass in race management. Despite repeated attacks from rivals and harsh weather conditions, the Slovenian stayed composed. With a perfectly timed burst of speed in the final 300 meters, he crossed the finish line ahead of the competition, claiming the coveted rainbow jersey and completing the Triple Crown.
Stephen Roche’s Welcome and Words of Wisdom
Stephen Roche, who completed the Triple Crown in 1987, was the first to congratulate Pogačar on his remarkable achievement. “It’s an honor to welcome Tadej into this exclusive club,” Roche said with admiration. “When I did it, everyone said it was something that could never happen again. The sport has changed so much, and the demands are even greater now. For Tadej to have done this in such a competitive era is beyond impressive.”
Roche’s words carried weight, as many in the cycling world doubted whether the Triple Crown was even achievable in modern times. The demands of professional cycling have evolved significantly since Roche’s era, with more intense competition, technological advancements, and specialized training programs. Yet Pogačar’s adaptability, mental toughness, and sheer talent have proven that greatness transcends generations.
Roche also offered advice to the young champion, encouraging him to savor the moment but remain hungry for more. “It’s an incredible achievement, but Tadej is still young. The sport will always present new challenges, and I’m sure he will continue to amaze us.”
A Legacy in Progress
Tadej Pogačar’s induction into the Triple Crown Club cements his legacy in the annals of cycling history. Yet, at only 25 years old, the Slovenian star’s journey is far from over. His Triple Crown victory has opened the door for further ambitions, whether that’s more Grand Tour wins, breaking individual records, or even conquering other one-day Classics.
Pogačar has consistently defied expectations, and his competitive spirit suggests that he will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in cycling. As fans and experts alike celebrate his historic achievement, the question now is: what’s next for Pogačar? If history is any indication, the cycling world can expect even more spectacular feats from the young Slovenian.
The Impact on Cycling
Pogačar’s triumph has reignited conversations about the possibility of a new golden era in cycling. His success, coupled with the rise of other young stars like Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard, points to an era where the limits of human endurance and strategy are being constantly redefined. For cycling fans, the excitement is palpable, as these athletes push each other to new heights in a sport that values both tradition and innovation.
As Pogačar stands on the podium in his new rainbow jersey, the world watches in awe, knowing they are witnessing something truly special — the making of a modern legend. With Roche’s words still echoing, “Everyone was saying it’s not possible,” Pogačar has proven that in cycling, the impossible can indeed become reality.
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