“He has no rival on any terrain” - Javier Ares puts Tadej Pogacar on a level of his own in pro cycling

Contemporary cycling is living through an era defined by the greatness of Tadej Pogacar, a rider seemingly intent on redrawing every known limit. His victory at the Tour des Flandres 2026 not only further confirms his dominance, it reinforces the sense that we are witnessing a once-in-a-generation cyclist, able to win on any terrain. Javier Ares argued that the Slovenian has no match in any terrain.

Eurosport Spain’s commentator Ares, analyzed the race with his usual depth on his YouTube channel. With a passionate, meticulous tone, he broke down each key moment of a day that, while predictable in its outcome, still impressed for the Slovenian champion’s superiority.

Ares opens by setting out the context of the win with clarity: “So the day came, the name came and the victory came. Tadej Pogacar’s 111th at the Tour of Flandres cannot have surprised anyone. He was top favourite and delivered a formidable race and performance.” With these words, the journalist makes clear the result was expected, without diminishing its value.

The commentator highlights the race’s brutality and the moment it finally split: “It has to be said, it was all-out warfare, with 50, 60 kilometres to go… the five big favourites were coming in one by one.” That natural selection produced a podium of the highest level, with Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel alongside Pogacar.

On the Dutchman, Ares underlines his resilience: “Mathieu Van Der Poel didn’t have Pogacar’s punch, yet he held on until the second ascent.” At the same time, he heaps praise on debutant Evenepoel: “Spectacular attitude… to keep chasing… it’s very hard.” He also has words for Wout van Aert and Mads Pedersen, noting their fighting spirit in a race ruled by one man.

The narrative takes on an epic tone when Ares describes the winner: “An unbeatable, untouchable Tadej Pogacar, who has appeared like a Messiah on a day as celebrated as… the Pagan Mass, which is the Tour des Flandres.” The metaphor captures the near-mythic dimension the Slovenian is assuming in cycling’s collective imagination.

Tactically, the commentator explains how the victory was built: “Toughen the race with his team… and then, well, with Pogacar himself… when the first selection is made on the Kwaremont, he already reviews the field.” The race was virtually sealed there, where the Slovenian began to impose his law.

The decisive moment comes, according to Ares, on the second key pass: “The litmus test came on the second time up the Kwaremont, when Pogacar accelerated violently. He even dropped Van der Poel himself.” That final surge confirmed what many suspected: no one could hold his wheel.

Beyond the race, Ares puts the achievement in historical perspective taking into consideration the monument victories he already has in his palmarès: “Careful now, it’s 12 already… astonishing when we’re talking about a 27-year-old.” The journalist compares his numbers to legends like Eddy Merckx, suggesting Pogacar is racing not only his current rivals, but cycling history itself.

The analysis also addresses the Slovenian’s overwhelming control: “Clear proof that he has no rival, on any terrain.” A blunt statement that sums up the general feeling after his win, where time gaps reflected crushing superiority.

Finally, Ares looks to the immediate future, eyes on the next challenge: “The only race where he might face some resistance is Paris-Roubaix… I still think it’s very hard for him to win.” Even so, he makes it clear that the level shown makes Pogacar a favourite in virtually any scenario.