The Rarefied Air of Cycling's Elite: Pogacar Joins a Club of Three
There’s something profoundly captivating about athletes who rewrite the record books, not just by breaking records but by achieving feats so rare that they border on the mythical. Tadej Pogacar’s latest milestone is one such moment. By winning a stage at the Tour de Suisse, he’s become only the third cyclist in history to claim stage victories across all ten of cycling’s most prestigious stage races. What makes this particularly fascinating is the exclusivity of this club: Laurent Jalabert and Nairo Quintana are the only other riders to have achieved this, with Jalabert setting the bar in 2000 and Quintana matching it two decades later. Pogacar’s feat isn’t just about winning; it’s about consistency, versatility, and an almost obsessive dedication to conquering every corner of the sport.
A Milestone That Transcends Numbers
On the surface, this is a statistical achievement—a checkbox ticked on a list of races. But if you take a step back and think about it, it’s a testament to Pogacar’s ability to dominate in vastly different terrains, climates, and race formats. The ten races in question—the three Grand Tours and seven WorldTour one-week events—are as diverse as they come. From the grueling climbs of the Giro d’Italia to the tactical battles of Paris–Nice, each race demands a unique skill set. What this really suggests is that Pogacar isn’t just a specialist; he’s a master of all trades. Personally, I think this is what sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. While others may excel in specific types of races, Pogacar’s ability to adapt and thrive across the board is nothing short of extraordinary.
The Journey to Completeness
Pogacar’s path to this milestone is as intriguing as the achievement itself. His first win in this elite group came at the 2019 Vuelta a España, where he announced himself to the world with a stage victory that left rivals like Nairo Quintana and Primoz Roglic in his wake. What many people don’t realize is that this wasn’t just a fluke; it was the beginning of a calculated campaign to conquer every major race. By 2026, he had methodically ticked off each event, fine-tuning his calendar to ensure no race was left unconquered. The Tour de Suisse, his final hurdle, was a race he debuted in this year, and his Stage 1 victory was a masterclass in aggression and strategy. One thing that immediately stands out is his willingness to take risks—a 70km solo break to seal the deal? That’s the kind of audacity that defines champions.
Comparing the Trio: Jalabert, Quintana, and Pogacar
It’s impossible to discuss Pogacar’s achievement without placing it in the context of his predecessors. Laurent Jalabert, a legend of the sport, held this record alone for over two decades. His ability to win across all ten races in an era with less specialization is a testament to his versatility. Nairo Quintana, the second rider to achieve this, did so in 2020, but his career has been marked by inconsistency compared to Pogacar’s relentless rise. From my perspective, Pogacar’s feat feels different because it’s part of a larger narrative of dominance. He’s not just matching records; he’s setting new standards for what’s possible in modern cycling.
What This Means for the Future
This raises a deeper question: Where does Pogacar go from here? With stage wins in all ten races, the logical next step is to target overall victories in the few races where he hasn’t yet claimed the general classification. If he wins the Tour de Suisse as expected, only Itzulia Basque Country remains unconquered in terms of GC wins. But personally, I think Pogacar’s ambitions will extend beyond these milestones. He’s only 27—still in the prime of his career. Could he become the first rider to win multiple overall victories in all ten races? It’s a stretch, but with Pogacar, nothing seems out of reach.
The Broader Implications for Cycling
Pogacar’s achievement also highlights a broader trend in cycling: the increasing specialization versus the rare all-rounders. In an era where riders often focus on specific races or terrains, Pogacar’s versatility is a throwback to a bygone era. A detail that I find especially interesting is how his success challenges the modern narrative of niche dominance. It’s a reminder that greatness in cycling isn’t just about excelling in one area but about mastering the sport in its entirety.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on Pogacar’s latest milestone, I’m struck by the sheer audacity of his career trajectory. He’s not just winning races; he’s rewriting the history books in a way that feels both methodical and fearless. In my opinion, what makes Pogacar a true great isn’t just the records he breaks but the way he inspires us to rethink what’s possible. His journey is a testament to the power of ambition, adaptability, and an unrelenting drive to conquer every challenge. If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: Tadej Pogacar isn’t just part of cycling’s elite—he’s redefining what it means to be elite.
