“Pogacar attacks; the rest, let’s see who fights for second” - Expert breaks down reality of modern cycling
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar did something that seems reserved only for him once again. On stage 1 of the 2026 Tour de Suisse, the Slovenian blew the race apart with an attack 72 kilometres from the line and won by more than two minutes over Richard Carapaz and more than four minutes over the favourites’ group.
An extraordinary performance that led Javier Ares, journalist, expert and Eurosport commentator, to call it “a new chapter” in the legend of the UAE Team Emirates rider.
In his analysis on his YouTube channel, Ares was unequivocal from the start about the scale of what happened on Swiss roads. “Pogacar is not just an extraordinary champion, not just a historic champion, he is a champion of legend, in the sense that he can win where and when nobody expects it and in the most rousing fashion.”
What surprised the commentator was not only the victory, but the way he claimed ithttps://cyclinguptodate.com/cycling/sometimes-it-becomes-a-bit-overwhelming-pogacar-on-fan-proximity-becoming-famous-and-heat-training. The stage was set to be decided in the final kilometres, especially on the steep wall just over four kilometres from the finish. However, Pogacar chose to tear up the script much earlier.
According to Ares, the move sprang from a combination of a hard tempo by UAE Team Emirates, the heat, and a string of race circumstances that led to an early selection. What no one imagined was that the world champion would launch solo with more than 70 kilometres still to ride.
“With 72 kilometres to the finish. Was it reckless? No. We’re so used to seeing Tadej put on shows like this that it didn’t seem a quixotic venture, but it was so unnecessary, so startling to do it on stage one of a five-day race.”
For Ares, the attack also had a devastating effect on the rest of the field. The favourites were left disorganised, unable to mount an effective chase, while Pogacar steadily increased his lead.
Tadej Pogacar, a global cycling star
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Riders seemingly accept their fate
The journalist noted that many riders seemed to accept from the outset that chasing the Slovenian was a lost cause. “Pogacar attacks, the rest think, let’s see who fights for second place.”
The result was a general classification almost settled from the opening day. Pogacar finished 2:14 ahead of Carapaz, while numerous contenders lost several minutes and even more than twenty in some cases.
Ares stressed that the gaps were unbecoming of a first stage and more akin to a major Alpine day in a Grand Tour.
“The proportions were truly biblical, even dantesque, to produce such colossal differences that leave the race absolutely decided.”
The veteran commentator also took the chance to praise the course design, a route closer to classical offensive racing than to stages overly controlled by teams.
Pogacar, a rider without comparison
Beyond the victory, Ares went deeper. For him, Pogacar’s greatness lies in his ability to dominate any terrain: Grand Tours, mountain classics, Monuments, and even races historically reserved for very different specialists.
“Looking through cycling history for such a complete rider, there isn’t one.”
The commentator even dared to compare him with cycling’s absolute reference point, Eddy Merckx.
“He is building a legend at 27 that for the moment is superior to Eddy Merckx.”
Although he admits Pogacar will probably never match the Belgian’s total number of wins, he believes the Slovenian has forged a unique competitive dimension through his versatility and aggression.
Pogi loves to put on a show
One aspect Javier Ares values most is Pogacar’s mindset. With the Tour de France around the corner and no need to take risks, the UAE leader chose to deliver another attacking masterclass.
“He leaves us with the scent, the aura of a rider so aggressive, so brave, so superior, so spectacular, so inclined to create a show that all we can do is be grateful.”
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For the Eurosport commentator, that is precisely what makes the Slovenian different. He doesn’t race just to win; he races to attack, to surprise, and to entertain even when it’s not required.
That is why, after another memorable exhibition at the Tour de Suisse, Ares concludes that today’s cycling is witnessing an unrepeatable phenomenon.
“That makes him a true cycling legend that we are all enjoying, without exception.”
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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- many people advise him to grow slowly and rather do giro and/or vuelta instead of tdf. but i can totalky understand that he is not satisfied with taking over once pogi declines, but instead beat him in his prime. so if he goes for tdf again, i‘m all for it. let‘s hope that pogi recovers soon!Ketterechts07-11-2026
- So gracious to offer something no-one would be prepared to pay for. The Giro is not the Tour and doesn’t command the same interest or attract the same “elite” (those willing to pay to be a part of something they consider has ego boosting potential). Roadside viewing will always largely remain free for everyone outside circuits. Introduction of a symbolic entrance to mountain climbs is worthy of exploration. Asking 1-2€ isn’t going to repulse real fans (most will spend 50-100€ on their outing that day all things included) but will prevent a portion of the total knobhead thrillseekers who will join in any large gathering as long as it’s free, just because they’re attracted to crowds, without which it it difficult for them to work up their anti-social behaviour.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- How is radio going to help when someone went over a cliff or bridge or off the roadside into a forest unnoticed and is laying there unconscious?Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- Yep, next we’ll be accusing F1 drivers of avoiding Le Mans.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- But on what is that opinion based? Are you holding him to a different standard than others? Are you saying he should do learn to like something he doesn’t Are you saying he hasn’t achieved enough Are you saying he pretends to be better than his results? It’s actually a really strange opinion to oust if you consider it objectively or rationally. Try applying it to others or yourself by asking if not EVERYONE should then be doing more? Nobody in athletics or swimming gets criticism for not expanding their repertoire when a rival or someone else does. In fact, most who move to another event get accused of running from their rival. Opinions are boring, the reasons behind them are what count.Jumpyjohn07-11-2026
- for a medical chief to throw things like is just bad. There are already radios which were banned for spectacle. allow radios. Gps trackers are not a complete solutionabstractengineer07-11-2026
- Yeah man...PogiSloFans07-11-2026
- any rider less than 25 whether they are really ready for the position of leadership of GT is probably not the case. I think Pogi himself suffered when he was defeated by Jonas in the TDF twice. But that would be the team's job to ensure support so that they can bounce back. It requires a team and time to get back up and win after getting knocked down.abstractengineer07-11-2026
- I'm very glad he got the big late Quickstep Vuelta win and I hope he has a few left for Euskaltel-Euskadi.flyer07-11-2026
- My memories of Ivan Basso aren't good but I liked his sister Elisa ok.flyer07-11-2026
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