ANALYSIS: Is Tadej Pogacar About to Complete Cycling’s Greatest Ever Season?

In Quebec on Friday, the cycling world witnessed a rare sight: Tadej Pogacar denied victory. Yet, as Sunday rolled around and the GP de Montréal unfolded, the Slovenian cycling star once again showcased why he is widely considered the number one rider of his generation. Heading into the 2024 World Championships in Zurich with the Montreal win under his belt, Pogacar is in formidable form, ready to conquer once again.

After taking nearly two months off following the Tour de France in July, Pogacar's return to racing sends a clear warning to his competitors. Despite the rest period, he remains in the kind of shape that saw him dismantle his rivals in both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France earlier in 2024. His extraordinary Giro-Tour double was a feat no rider had managed since Marco Pantani in 1998. Pogacar's dominance this season positions him to potentially make history, and should he don the rainbow jersey later this month, it would cement what could arguably be the greatest season ever achieved by a cyclist.

With such lofty possibilities, it begs the question: who else in cycling history has had a season that rivals Pogacar’s phenomenal 2024?

Eddy Merckx – 1972

One name inevitably comes to mind when discussing dominant cycling seasons: Eddy Merckx. Known as "The Cannibal" for his relentless pursuit of victory, Merckx had several awe-inspiring seasons, but his 1972 campaign stands out as one of the finest. That year, Merckx claimed victory in both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France, similar to Pogacar's feat this season.

The 1972 season also saw Merckx win, Milan-San Remo, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the Giro di Lombardia, and La Flèche Wallonne and dominate numerous other events. His complete mastery of the sport across a variety of races makes his 1972 season one of the greatest in the history of cycling. If Pogacar captures the rainbow jersey in Zurich, it would be difficult to overlook the parallels to Merckx's mythical 1972.

Bernard Hinault – 1982

Another cycling icon whose name belongs in the conversation is Bernard Hinault, a man whose nickname, "The Badger," reflected his aggressive and tenacious riding style. Hinault had an illustrious career, but the 1982 season stands out as a highlight. Like Pogacar in 2024, Hinault completed a Giro-Tour double, asserting his dominance over the peloton and demonstrating his versatility as a rider.

What made Hinault’s season truly remarkable was his ability to dominate across the entirety of the season, not just in Grand Tours. In addition to his victories at the Giro and Tour, Hinault added wins in prestigious races and was narrowly denied victory in Paris-Roubaix. While he didn’t win the World Championship that year, Hinault’s 1982 season was one of complete mastery and strength, reminiscent of Pogacar’s all-around brilliance.

Fausto Coppi – 1949

Fausto Coppi, a name synonymous with cycling legend, delivered an unforgettable season in 1949. During this period, Coppi won both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, much like Pogacar’s feats in 2024. The Italian rider was particularly dominant in his home race, the Giro, where he took the overall classification, the King of the Mountains jersey, and multiple stages.

At the Tour de France, Coppi's performance was no less impressive. He rode away from his competitors in the mountains and finished nearly 11 minutes ahead of his nearest rival. Not content with simply dominating the Grand Tours, Coppi also took home the victory at the Giro di Lombardia, one of cycling’s Monuments, solidifying his place as the preeminent rider of his time.

Coppi’s 1949 season is remembered as a hallmark of excellence and a turning point in the sport. Like Pogacar, Coppi was revered for his ability to win across all terrains and for his incredible consistency throughout the season.

Stephen Roche – 1987

In terms of historical comparisons, Stephen Roche’s 1987 season is one of the few that can match the magnitude of Pogacar’s achievements in 2024. Roche’s season is legendary because of the rare “triple crown” he achieved that year: winning the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France, and the World Championship.

Roche’s victories were not without drama. In the Giro, he won by 3:40 minutes, one of the narrowest margins in the race’s history. At the Tour de France, he cemented his place in cycling history with a stunning performance on La Plagne, a high-altitude finish where he dramatically clawed back time on the leaders. To top it all off, Roche claimed the World Championship title in Austria, making him only the second rider ever (after Merckx) to win the Giro, Tour, and World Championships in the same season.

This incredible feat stands as one of the most prestigious accomplishments in cycling, and should Pogacar win the rainbow jersey later this month, his season would undoubtedly invite comparisons to Roche’s phenomenal 1987.

Marco Pantani – 1998

While Pantani’s career was marred by controversy, his 1998 season remains one of the most remarkable displays of climbing prowess the sport has ever seen. Pantani, like Pogacar, achieved the Giro-Tour double, winning both races in a season that saw him devastate his rivals on the steepest of climbs.

Pantani's ability to dominate in the mountains and to deliver knockout punches during the most challenging stages of both the Giro and the Tour captured the imagination of cycling fans. His aggressive racing style, attacking on every opportunity, made him a fan favourite and added to the legend of his 1998 campaign. Like Pogacar, Pantani’s season was defined by his willingness to attack and take risks, often leading from the front and pushing the pace at every opportunity.

Conclusion: Can Pogacar Seal His Place in History?

As Pogacar heads into the World Championships, there’s no denying the historic nature of his 2024 season. From his unparalleled Giro-Tour double to his recent triumphs in Canada, he has solidified himself as the most dominant rider of the modern era. Should he claim the rainbow jersey in Zurich, he will have etched his name among the greatest seasons in cycling history, comparable to legends like Merckx, Hinault, Coppi, and Roche.