Tadej Pogacar edges past record of Sagan and Cavendish with La Fleche Wallonne win

Yesterday, Tadej Pogacar once again etched his name into cycling history with a commanding victory at La Flèche Wallonne, dominating the iconic Mur de Huy with a late, explosive assault that left even the formidable Remco Evenepoel trailing in his wake.

The Slovenian superstar’s second career win at the Belgian classic not only showcased his unparalleled climbing ability but also marked a significant milestone: Pogacar now holds the record for the most World Tour victories since 2010, with 73, surpassing some of the sport’s most illustrious names. But who did he overtake?

The 2025 edition of La Flèche Wallonne unfolded over a grueling 205.1-kilometer course from Ciney to Huy, characterized by relentless rain and treacherous conditions. The race culminated, as always, on the fearsome Mur de Huy, a 1.3-kilometer climb with gradients peaking at 19% and an average of 9.6%.

Pogacar, riding for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, executed a perfectly timed attack 500 meters from the finish, around the steepest corner of the climb named after Eddy Merckx. His seated acceleration was so ferocious that no rider, including Olympic champion Evenepoel, could respond. Kévin Vauquelin (Arkéa-B&B Hotels) finished a distant second, 10 seconds back, with Tom Pidcock (Q36.5) securing third, 12 seconds behind.

Evenepoel, despite being well-positioned throughout the race, lacked the punch to challenge Pogacar’s onslaught, finishing ninth, and had no answer for his rival in the wet.

Pogacar’s victory was not just a display of physical dominance but a historic achievement. According to Cycling Statistics, his 73rd World Tour win since 2010 propelled him past Peter Sagan, who held the record with 72 victories, followed closely by Mark Cavendish with 71 and Primoz Roglic with 67.

This statistic highlights Pogacar’s extraordinary versatility and consistency at the age of just 26. Unlike Sagan, a sprint and classics specialist, or Cavendish, the most prolific stage winner in Tour de France history, Pogacar’s victories span one-day classics, Grand Tour stages, and overall classifications. His ability to excel across diverse terrains, puncheur climbs like the Mur de Huy, cobbled classics like the Tour of Flanders, and high mountains in the Tour de France, sets him apart as a once in a lifetime talent.

Analysing this World Tour victory tally offers insight into the distinct career arcs of these cycling titans. Sagan’s 72 wins, with his last World Tour victory coming on stage 3 of the Tour de Suisse in 2022, reflect his dominance in the early 2010s as a three-time world champion and seven-time Tour de France green jersey winner. His versatility in sprints and classics made him a fan favourite, but his World Tour wins tapered off as he transitioned to a mentorship role in his later years.

Cavendish, with 71 wins, remains the sprinting gold standard, his 35 Tour de France stage victories a record that may stand for decades (unless of course Pogacar continues to win as he has been). Roglic, with 67 wins, has carved a niche as a stage race specialist, with four Vuelta a España titles and consistent Grand Tour performances, though his one-day race victories are significantly fewer than Pogacar’s.

Pogacar’s ascent to the top of this list at such a young age is staggering. His 73 World Tour wins include eight monuments, a number poised to grow as he eyes Liège-Bastogne-Liège this Sunday. Will anyone have an answer for him?

Sometimes, it can become boring to list off all the legendary statistics and records Pogacar sets. But, even if some fans would prefer closer competition, we do still need to appreciate just how special a rider he is. At only 26, he could still just be getting started.