"To then utter magic words like forming an alliance... that just doesn't work" - Would teaming up against Pogacar beat him? Former riders disagree
CyclingFriday, 03 July 2026 at 11:33
With Tadej Pogacar the overwhelming favourite for the 2026 Tour de France, some cycling commentators have suggested that an allied approach among the chasers could be enough to de-throne the four-time champion.
Although Jonas Vingegaard is fancied by some to have Pogacar's number at times during the race, while doubts remain over the Dane's ability to stick with the UAE Team Emirates - XRG leader over 21 stages, challengers like Paul Seixas, Florian Lipowitz and Remco Evenepoel are lining up in the podium battle.
In the face of Pogacar's individual dominance, could some co-operation between the challengers force Pogacar's hand? Ex-professional Oliver Naesen doesn't think it's as easy as Evenepoel and Seixas teaming up in the midst of a mountain stage.
Naesen said on the HLN Cycling Podcast: “What is that then, a block against Pogacar? If Evenepoel were to say to Seixas now: 'If you attack now, I'm not going to follow...' That doesn't happen.”
When it comes to teams' ambitions for reaching the Tour de France podium, former Olympic champion Greg van Avermaet thinks an alliance is out of the question, and that legs alone trump tactics or co-operating with rivals.
Van Avermaet doesn't think alliance would work against Pogacar
Van Avermaet said: “All teams have put so much work into their preparation. Standing on the podium is already a goal in itself for many riders.
"To then utter magic words like forming an alliance... that just doesn't work. Racing is simply far too hard for that. Sometimes some tactics are involved. But often it is the legs that count.”
Naesen turned his attention to team tactics, referencing Team Visma | Lease a Bike's repeated strategy of controlling stages and making them difficult for Pogacar. He believes that the strategy plays into his hands and defeats the purpose.
“I often find that strange,” he notes. “Visma | Lease a Bike says that often. But if you make the race hard, and your opponent is much better than you, for whom are you making the race hard? Isn't that just playing into your opponent's hands? You should actually try to make the race as easy as possible.”
Pogacar's dominance compared to Merckx
When it comes to Pogacar dominance, Naesen compares it to Eddy Merckx's cannibal days of dominance. Although noting that fans may be frustrated by his all-conquering victories, his legend will live long in the memory.
Naesen said: “It does remind me of what you hear in legend, the days of Eddy Merckx. At the time, it might be annoying to watch. But I can certainly appreciate those performances.”
Van Avermaet agreed, likening Pogacar dropping professionals at will to making them seem amateur: "It is like us dropping a recreational cyclist on the flat. We just have to put in a little effort, and then he drops back. That is the feeling the pros have with Pogacar. If he puts in a bit of effort, they drop back. If you can do that at the highest level, it must feel amazing.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- The man has always given a charming interview, and he continues here. He doesn’t disrespect anyone, praises every place he goes and every win, refuses to talk badly of past teams, and keeps a positive tone toward everyone. Plus he sees del Toro as his successor (did he ever say the same about Ayuso, Almeida, Yates? Don’t think so). Let’s hope he keeps this going during the Tour - we know from last year that when his tone shifts maybe he’s hurt. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.RidesHills03-07-2026
- My username is a play on his. Perhaps, it's also time for me to move on from cycling news.
KerisVroom03-07-2026 - Can't blame him for hanging on. Those sweet, sweet $$$ are too enticing.KerisVroom03-07-2026
- What a slightly ignominious finish for a rider so dominant. He should've either seen the writing on the wall, or had someone in his inner circle with the guts to tell him - but then again, he was on a massive contract so who would turn down millions? At least he's finally acknowledged it. Leaving it hanging was deeply awkward and weird.antipodeanpedalfan03-07-2026
- Vino should use Horner's tactics: relocate to an obscure hotel at the last minute so doping controls can't find him to test. Then dope to the gills and go on to win the hardest mountain stage and the overall.Santiago03-07-2026
- Well knock me down with a feather!Lozza02-07-2026
- Go Pogi! ❤️Lozza02-07-2026
- I’ve always wondered if Chris Froome doped. He looked superhuman in some of his TdF races. But the new man on the throne is even better. The new Terminator !! I’m ready to be amazed at this year’s TdF again.
PogiFan2Day02-07-2026 - the king of mue'swhkman02-07-2026
- Horner is the greatest advisor no team wants to have.🤣abstractengineer02-07-2026
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