Tadej Pogačar's Pursuit of Cycling Immortality: Conquering the Remaining Monuments

Tadej Pogačar, an undeniable titan in the world of professional cycling, is actively pursuing an unparalleled milestone: securing victories in both Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix. These two iconic races are the sole remaining Monuments missing from his illustrious career, and their conquest would cement his status as one of cycling's greatest figures. Despite the inherent dangers and the cautious stance of his team management, Pogačar's unwavering ambition and meticulous preparation underscore his commitment to achieving this extraordinary feat. His journey towards completing this unique collection of victories is a testament to his drive and strategic acumen, as he seeks to redefine the benchmarks of cycling greatness.

The current narrative centers on a conversation with Pogačar within the opulent surroundings of Vienna's Hotel Sacher, a stark contrast to the gritty terrains of northern France. The discussion highlights his focused approach to Paris-Roubaix, a race he openly admits to finding exceptionally difficult. His youthful appearance belies his formidable achievements, including multiple Tour de France titles and world championships. At 27, his career trajectory points towards an aspiration for the pinnacle of cycling history, making the un-won races like Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo his primary motivational forces. Only three Belgian riders in history—Eddy Merckx, Rik van Looy, and Roger De Vlaeminck—have ever claimed all five Monuments (Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia). Pogačar aims to join this elite group, becoming the first in nearly half a century.

Pogačar views the pursuit of all five Monuments as a crucial challenge that keeps his career vibrant. He notes that past victories, while significant, don't offer the same motivational impetus as new objectives. Having already triumphed in Liège three times, Flanders twice, and a record five consecutive times in Il Lombardia, his focus is sharply on the two remaining challenges. His commitment is so profound that when asked to choose between a hypothetical fifth Tour de France title and a first Paris-Roubaix, he opted for the latter, illustrating the profound significance of these un-conquered races for him.

Last spring marked Pogačar's debut at Paris-Roubaix, an event that electrified the cycling world. His participation as the reigning Tour champion—a feat not seen since Greg LeMond in 1991—was a historical moment. Unlike LeMond's 55th place finish, Pogačar secured an impressive second, despite a crucial fall. This near-victory, he reflects, transformed his team's initial apprehension into a belief that winning another Monument is indeed attainable. His manager, Mauro Gianetti, initially expressed concerns about the risks, particularly an injury that could jeopardize the Tour de France. However, Pogačar acknowledges the constant pressure but embraces the challenge, recognizing that such risks are inherent in these races.

His preparation for the upcoming spring classics has been notably intensified. Instead of a last-minute recon, Pogačar started visiting the cobbled routes of northern France months in advance, demonstrating a heightened commitment to mastering these demanding courses. He understands that sheer power isn't the sole determinant of success on these terrains, especially without the traditional climbs that favor his explosive attacks. His strategy involves exploiting moments of surprise and leveraging his strong sprint finish in small group scenarios, acknowledging that he is a marked man in the peloton. This nuanced approach, combining meticulous preparation with tactical adaptability, is essential for tackling races like Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix.

Milan-San Remo, a grueling race over 300km, is renowned for being deceptively difficult to win despite its relatively flat profile. Pogačar, who has participated five times and steadily improved his results, emphasizes the challenge of creating a decisive gap on its iconic climbs, the Cipressa and Poggio, where drafting plays a critical role. He recounts how, even with his team's aggressive pace last year, rivals like Mathieu van der Poel and Filippo Ganna managed to stay with him, ultimately out-sprinting him. This experience underscores his recurring theme: the difficulty of making a significant difference in these races. However, he remains undeterred, viewing it as an ongoing challenge that continues to fuel his competitive spirit. He firmly believes he still has several years to pursue these victories.

Pogačar's pursuit of these Monuments goes beyond mere victories; it's about solidifying his place in history. Should he succeed in conquering both Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix, he would possess an almost complete collection of cycling's major titles. While he modestly dismisses comparisons to legends like Eddy Merckx, stating it's "complete nonsense" to dwell on records, his actions speak volumes about his ambition. He prefers to live in the present, focusing on continuous improvement and contributing to cycling through initiatives like his youth team and foundation. This blend of fierce competitiveness and grounded perspective allows him to approach these formidable challenges with a unique blend of curiosity and unwavering determination, free from the paralyzing anxiety of absolute obsession. His composed demeanor and ability to relish the journey, irrespective of the outcome, highlight a profound ease with uncertainty, making his quest for greatness all the more compelling.