"There's no doubt he's at Merckxian levels at this point" - G.O.A.T. debate reignited after Tadej Pogacar's legendary performance at Strade Bianche 2025

Tadej Pogacar seemingly cannot be stopped. Even what looked like a truly brutal crash at 50km to go during Strade Bianche 2025 barely registered on the all-conquering Slovenian as he soared to a record-equalling 3rd win on the Tuscan gravel roads. For a while now Pogacar has been considered an all-time great and with this latest exhibition, the debate around himself and Eddy Merckx has been raised once again.

Understandably, in the immediate aftermath of Pogacar's incredible comeback win on Saturday afternoon. Ex-pro and former Eurosport pundit Daniel Lloyd was glowing in his post-race recap. "Tadej Pogačar has now won 10 of the last 11 races he started," noted the Brit on X (Twitter), reeling off the list of victories recently added to the generation-defining palmares that the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader is quickly building. "There's no doubt he's at Merckxian levels at this point."

On the day, Lloyd's compatriot, Tom Pidcock finished runner-up. Afterwards, the Brit also had to simply doth his cap to Pogacar. "I wanted to try and win, but I think I did a good performance let's be honest. I came pretty close," Pidcock assessed in his post-race interview. "I don't think anyone else has followed Tadej yet this year! Okay, he's only done one race but also last year and the Tour de France. So yeah, I'm happy. That's a good step. But of course, in the end he still attacked and rode off. So it's bittersweet."