"If anyone can do it, it's him" - Eddy Merckx sets ultimate Tadej Pogacar challenge as he looks to equal Tour de France record
CyclingSunday, 26 July 2026 at 16:24
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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- Wout can be pretty good but as Sepp lives for it, hard to imagine.Jumpyjohn26-07-2026
- May be hard for DT to improve on this result.Jumpyjohn26-07-2026
- That’s cool :-)Jumpyjohn26-07-2026
- I think that’s a really bad way of putting it. Either he was too tired, or it was a thought out choice or there was some reason for it but it’s unlikely to have been through stupidity. If you don’t have facts or consider all the possibilities how can you judge why it was done?Jumpyjohn26-07-2026
- Hmmm, so who is doing domestique duties for who exactly? Seems like it was around 50/50.Jumpyjohn26-07-2026
- Hes got 3 more in the legs if he doesnt get bored with the sport.
Front24226-07-2026 - Tadej wins every stage and he is an egotist. The breakaway goes up the road and a rider that he has over 7 minutes on, and he doesn’t react, and this headline. can’t win either way it seemsmij26-07-2026
- I know, they use such b.s. headlines. I saw that and assumed he got deathly ill overnightmij26-07-2026
- I watched the whole Tour on SBS and totally agree with you. Bridie is by far the best womens commentator across all the cycling channels. Really impressed with Caleb with his insight into the peleton. No stupid jokes and wrong information like one commentator we know.
Senna196026-07-2026 - Lol yes.Good one!Cyclingsbestfan26-07-2026
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