"Pogacar's success didn't just appear out of nowhere" - Former World Champion, Roubaix and Flanders winner defends Pogacar on doping accusations

Johan Museeuw, legendary classics rider of the 1990s, has been the latest to come to Tadej Pogacar's defense against critics who claim his cycling is boring or who question his honesty.

In statements reported by Wielerrevue, the 1996 world champion made it clear that his superiority and his long-range attacks are part of his strategy and analyzed what he did at the World Championships in Zurich with his incredible attack at more than 100 kilometers from the finish. 

"If Pogacar is stronger than the rest, it's not his fault. I personally liked him when he attacked in the World Championships with 100 kilometers to go. In the last half hour he was showing a bit of fatigue, but he still managed to hold on." Moreover, it is clear to him that such distant attacks are not only being done by Slovenian in recent times, but are increasingly becoming more part of modern cycling.

"Those long solo attacks are characteristic of the current generation. Also Van der Poel, Van Aert and Evenepoel are not afraid of long breakaways. Today, it's those four phenomena that dominate the peloton," said the 3-time winner of Paris Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.

He is clear that they still have a long way to go: "Besides, they are young, so we will have to get used to them being in charge in the coming years. I don't see anyone capable of threatening them".

On those who doubt his success, those who talk about possible doping, he gives a logical explanation, stating that his success has not come from one day to the next, but has been progressive until what we have seen in 2024: "People ask in the case of Pogacar: is all this normal? But Pogacar's success didn't just appear out of nowhere. It has been a phenomenon for several years".

Museeuw believes that we live in an envious society in which the successful are criticized. "If you're too successful in this society, people don't like it. You see that with actors, businessmen and singers, too."

He would like to race his favorite race in 2025: "I hope Pogacar decides to include Paris-Roubaix in his program. If he does, he will compete for the victory. Of that I'm sure."