The sports of cycling and football typically don't have a lot in common, besides requiring a great stamina, even though there is the connection of one of the cycling's superstars Remco Evenepoel having switched over from a career of promising footballer to that of a generational cyclist at the age of 16. And as the cycling culture is deep-rooted in Spain, it doesn't come as a complete surprise that Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola is a life-long fan of the sport.
Who can beat Pogacar?
There's no denying that Tadej Pogacar enters the 2026 Vuelta a Espana with only one goal - to win and complete his collection of Grand Tour titles. The competition is nowhere near as fierce as was the case at Tour de France, thus it's the Slovenian's race to lose.
And even from a man who spends much more time analysing football matches than cycling races, it's crystal clear that Pogacar should normally complete his Grand Tour hat-trick in Grenada without significant problems.
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"No, I don't see anyone getting close to Pogacar," Iraola told TNT Sports. "I think he's far ahead of everyone else. I would like to see someone like [Primoz] Roglic at the end of his career have a go and try to challenge him. But right now, I don’t see it."
Perhaps not even Messi can match Pogacar's legacy
Pogacar boosts an outstanding Grand Tour record. In 9 participations, he never finished outside the final podium, winning six. His worst result (third place) comes precisely from the Vuelta where, in his 2019 debut, Pogacar lost only to Primoz Roglic in his best level, and veteran Alejandro Valverde.
And when asked who he believes is football's Pogacar, Iraola said only one comes close, and even that might be a stretch.
"For me, I think the closest [comparison to Pogacar] has to be the best one," he said. "Pogacar is the best cyclist I have ever seen so I would say [Lionel] Messi just for the easy comparison. But I think Pogacar is ahead of even Messi probably in terms of difference with the opposition."
Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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- It doesnt take a genius to understand that Pogi is 1 level above and Pogi is younger that Jonas, so Jonas will not win under ordinary circumstances. Pogi has to crack hard for Jonas to win. It doesn't matter whether you defend Jonas or not , facts remain facts. Jonas himself says his numbers are better than 2022/2023, so Jonas is more or less optimized and we are just see the stochastic variation due to other factors. I think he will retire along with Pedersen in WC denmarkabstractengineer13-11-2026
- They only raced each other during the 2026 Tour, but here's a few metrics to look at. Stage 3 (Granollers to Les Angles): Pogačar won the stage, finishing 2 seconds ahead of Vingegaard (2nd). Del Toro finished 24 seconds behind Stage 6 (Pau to Gavarnie-Gedre / Col du Tourmalet): Pogačar won solo, Vingegaard finished 2nd (losing 2:38), and Del Toro finished 3rd (at +2:57, finishing 19 seconds behind Vingegaard). Here, Jonas Vingegaard outclimbed Isaac del Toro by 19 seconds on the mountain stageawp13-11-2026
- your clinging to the past. Jonas was dropped by del toro many times last year and jonas never managed a climbing numers del toro did in dauphine last year -entire year. Trend is also evident theres no discussion your living in the past, its beent he same with jonas for many years now and only developing, meanwhile del toro is rising and developing greatly. This is all obvious stuff and im not even a del toro fan. No point discussing numbers or this i suspect you dont watch much now but rather think its 2022 still cause this aint hard.miguel13-11-2026
- We can go through metrics if you like, Del Toro, who I do admire and support, is not on the same level as Jonas just yet. You will see that in early 2027 if they have any crossover races. I do hope they both race the Giro. You are correct though, Jonas is getting older and will not be able to hand on much longer. I see 2027 as a good year for him. Obviously behind Tadej though.awp13-11-2026
- What wins? Are you LA operating under a pseudonym?mij13-11-2026
- My point is this - Tadej, Remco, Seixas are all the outliers. Many riders don’t hit their peak until 28. It’s way too early to write him off. And the pogi slo guy that hates him - he’s also immature. Ayuso needs time.mij13-11-2026
- Then you need to use ur eyes or head if you have cause del toro already dropped jonas two times and beat him in tdf stages already this year.. Del toro climbed(dauphine) better numbers than jonas did all year too. So ur feelings and wishful thinking doesnt amtter del toro himself has already surpassed jonas infact just facts. Its also very evident for anyone objective that Jonas is declining alot, its just the truth and super obvious.miguel13-11-2026
- None of those victories stand, so there's that,wrsty13-11-2026
- No surprise there; it is British Sycling, yes, with an S
Rafionain-Glas12-11-2026 - I like Del Toro but he's not on the level of Jonas, by a large margin.awp12-11-2026
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