“His record of victories from February to October, that puts him in a category of his own" - Bernie Eisel names Tadej Pogacar as his rider of the year

2023 has seen many riders excel, with the big victories being relatively spread out. But who deserves the right to call themselves the rider of the year? In Bernie Eisel's opinion the answer to that question is Tadej Pogacar.

Whilst the Slovenian was unable to reclaim the Maillot Jaune, having to settle for second behind Jonas Vingegaard at the Tour de France for the second straight year, Pogacar more than compensated with numerous other wins. A grand total of 17 wins added to his palmares, including a third-straight Il Lombardia, two stages of the aforementioned Tour, a double success at the Slovenian National Championships and wins at Paris-Nice, the Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallone and the Tour of Flanders.

“His record of victories from February to October, with top results in classics and tours: That puts him in a category of his own,” said ex-pro Eisel, who currently works for BORA - hansgrohe in an interview with Eurosport. "He always has a smile on his face: I don't know what he would do without a bike race - otherwise he would probably get every Strava KOM within a 600-kilometre radius."

As far as other contenders go, Eisel names Mathieu van der Poel. "Outstanding with his triumph at the World Championship, plus the victories at the two monuments." With young prodigies also getting a notable mention. "Above all, Arnaud De Lie with his ten victories this year, including in Quebec in the WorldTour. But also Olav Kooij, who hasn't been a professional cyclist for that long, and Jonathan Milan are among them."