Is the thrill of professional cycling fading? Tadej Pogacar’s unparalleled dominance in 2025 has left many wondering if the sport’s competitive spirit is being stifled. Het Nieuwsblad analysts Guy Van den Langenbergh and Jan-Pieter De Vlieger argue that Pogacar’s relentless success is not just impressive—it’s becoming demoralizing for the rest of the peloton. But here’s where it gets controversial: could one rider’s brilliance actually be bad for the sport? Let’s dive in.
On the Café Koers podcast, Van den Langenbergh painted a stark picture of the current state of men’s professional cycling. He described a palpable sense of resignation among riders, who seem to have accepted Pogacar’s supremacy as an unshakable reality. Even before the final Monument of the year, Il Lombardia, competitors appeared to have conceded defeat. When asked about their race strategies, riders often respond with a shrug or a laugh—a far cry from the determination and ambition fans expect. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about Pogacar winning; it’s about the psychological toll his dominance is taking on the field.
Pogacar’s 2025 season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The UAE Team Emirates – XRG leader secured three Monuments—Flanders, Liege–Bastogne–Liege, and Il Lombardia—while also claiming his fourth Tour de France title. His blend of consistency, tactical brilliance, and explosive power has made him nearly unbeatable. What once felt like bold, unpredictable attacks now seem almost inevitable. But is this inevitability robbing the sport of its unpredictability and drama?
Even powerhouse teams like Team Visma | Lease a Bike, who entered the season aiming for global dominance, have struggled to counter Pogacar’s reign. Van den Langenbergh noted that the Dutch squad, despite Jonas Vingegaard’s Vuelta a Espana victory, appears adrift in the world rankings, far behind Pogacar’s UAE Team Emirates – XRG. Here’s the kicker: for a team that once mirrored Pogacar’s dominance, 2025 has been a humbling reminder of how difficult it is to dethrone the Slovenian superstar.
This raises a critical question: is Pogacar’s dominance a testament to his greatness, or is it a symptom of a deeper issue within the sport? While his achievements are undeniably dazzling, some fear they may be eroding the competitive tension that makes elite racing so captivating. Rival teams are finding it increasingly difficult to devise effective strategies, and the narrative has shifted from how Pogacar will win to when he will win. For many in the peloton, his supremacy isn’t just a challenge—it’s an inescapable reality.
But here’s the controversial part: Is it fair to blame Pogacar for being too good? Or should the focus be on the rest of the field to step up their game? Some argue that cycling needs more riders like Pogacar to elevate the sport, while others worry that his dominance could lead to fan disengagement. What do you think? Is Pogacar’s reign a triumph for cycling, or is it stifling the very competition that makes the sport exciting? Let’s spark a debate in the comments!
