“Pogacar attacks; the rest, let’s see who fights for second” - Expert breaks down reality of modern 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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.”