“Pogacar is simply a winner and does it his way” – But Boogerd argues Slovenian’s dominance is ‘not fun to watch’

Michael Boogerd has been sharing his thoughts with De Telegraaf ahead of today’s Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the 2025 season. The spotlight, as always, falls on Tadej Pogacar, who will chase an unprecedented fifth consecutive victory in the race, a feat that would tie him with Fausto Coppi for the most wins in history. UAE Team Emirates - XRG also bring rising star Isaac del Toro, but Boogerd doubts there will be any generosity from Pogacar toward his young teammate.

"I can't imagine him handing it over to anyone else, because he can achieve a unique fifth consecutive victory," Boogerd said. "It might not be fun to watch, but that guy can't help it that he's way above the rest. You don't want to stay and make it more exciting for the viewer at the risk of losing."

According to Boogerd, it will likely be another solo masterclass. "Pogacar is simply a winner and does it his way. I can certainly see the beauty in that. And if he weren't there, it would be Remco Evenepoel who would leave the others without a chance. You first have Pogacar who is many steps ahead, and then Evenepoel who is many steps ahead of the rest of the field."

Still, Boogerd believes there is one man who could make Pogacar sweat. "The only man who could truly hold his own against Pogacar is our own Mathieu van der Poel. During Milan–San Remo and Paris–Roubaix, Pogacar really had to acknowledge his superiority in a one-day race."

For Pogacar, Il Lombardia marks both a personal target and the conclusion of a remarkable campaign. “Obviously, Lombardia is the final Monument of the year and the last race of my season,” said Pogacar in a UAE Team Emirates release. “It’s been one of my big goals in this final block of racing. The shape is there, the legs are good, the team is strong, so I’m very much looking forward to the race. This season has been a pretty amazing one all-round for the team. I feel lucky to be part of this special group and I hope we can keep it going for this weekend and into the future.”