"If anyone can do it, it's him" - Eddy Merckx sets ultimate Tadej Pogacar challenge as he looks to equal Tour de France record
Cycling
Eddy Merckx believes that if there's anyone that could potentially complete a grand tour trilogy in the same season - it's Tadej Pogacar. In a conversation about Pogacar's record-equalling Tour de France bid, the belgian legend thinks he can go one more.
As Pogacar rides onto the Champs-Elysees on Sunday evening, the Slovenian rider is all but confirmed to seal his fifth Tour de France yellow jersey. He will then join Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain and Jacques Anquetil as the record equalling five-time winners.
As records and historical comparisons take centres stage amid the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader's domination in both the classics and grand tours. For Merckx, however, he tips his hat to the 27-year-old rather than comparing his own achievements.
"I congratulate him, but I believe that he will not only equal me and the other champions; he will soon break our record for Tour victories," Merckx told Gazzetta della Sport.
"Every era has its champions; I don't like comparisons. Since he joined the pros, it was of course clear that he had a special talent. Well, perhaps I hadn't thought he could become so impressive uphill; it seems to me that he is breaking climbing records in every stage."
Merckx on Tadej pogacar dominance
Pogacar's dominance has seen him and teammates the subject of boos or frosty receptions at the Tour. For Merckx, he knows that the passion of fans works both ways and that there will be some unhappy with his strength - particularly French supporters.
He added: "People want to see a show; they get passionate about the duels. But when Pogacar decides to attack, he dominates and has no rivals.
"It happened to me too when I challenged Anquetil and Poulidor, the home favorites, and this year the French have Seixas in the top positions: perhaps they expected him to be closer to Pogacar."
Paul Seixas is set to finish in fourth place overall in his first Tour. At 19, Merckx thinks that time is on the French teenager's side but sees Pogacar's level right now as insurmountable.
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"He is young, let's let him grow without too much pressure," said Merckx. "He certainly has talent, but let's not forget that the Slovenian is not yet 28 years old and seems to become more complete and stronger every season. Reaching his level at this moment seems to me a virtually impossible undertaking."
Pogacar has few more records or achievements to reach, but one of them includes winning the Vuelta a Espana. While favourite to do so when he does arrive at the race in the future, Merckx thinks that Pogacar is capable for challenging to win all three grand tours - the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Vuelta a Espana - in one year.
"If anyone can do it, it's him. If the circumstances are favorable, he can do it in my opinion. The Giro takes place in May, so you have two months to prepare for the Tour and almost another two months to be ready for Spain. If there are no health problems, you can maintain your fitness for the entire period."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- maybe this is something else they can protest in the streets of France.mij04-11-2026
- his Roubaix win was amazing. not to take anything away from him - arguably one of MVDP's wins was at the expense of a WVA flat - but so many things need to line up to get one of these. He had a perfect race with fewer bike issues on an attritional course. And crazy strong as usual. Glad he got this done.mij04-11-2026
- Orts was a super smart signing with the new rules regarding cross and UCI pointsmij04-11-2026
- yeah... you're right...PogiSloFans04-11-2026
- Podcast sounds great. Two so called experts stating the f*cking obvious.wrsty04-11-2026
- A mindset that reminds me of Tim Declerq. I loved watching that guy just pound away the kilometers, hours at the front, holding an entire breakaway in check on his own. Bjerg seems like a similar guy. Curling, the team sport.RidesHills04-11-2026
- He will be lol, but he can still win on the climbs hahaawp04-11-2026
- I would love to have his inconsistency. How many wins this year? 2 TdF stages, a WC, a Euro championship, San Sebastian, multiple wins early year. Monument podiums. I'd take it. I don't think he has a chance in the TdF, but he is still amazing.mij04-11-2026
- He's not going to win the TdF. Maybe if they make every single stage a TT he could win. But I still believe Tadej would just sharpen his TT skills and win.mij04-11-2026
- You beat me to it. Should he make a full recovery (likely) and go light early in the year. One, two, three. Don't ask me, I don't give a damn. Should he be on a Feel-Like-He's-Fixin'-to-Die High.Yepperoni04-11-2026
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