The cycling world is in awe, yet some fear a creeping resignation. Tadej Pogacar's 2025 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, but is his dominance stifling the sport's excitement?
According of Het Nieuwsblad analysts, Guy Van den Langenbergh and Jan-Pieter De Vlieger, the answer is a resounding yes. They argue that Pogacar's relentless success is casting a shadow over the WorldTour, leaving his rivals seemingly resigned to their fate.
'A sense of hopelessness'
Van den Langenbergh, speaking on the Café Koers podcast, paints a picture of a peloton losing hope. He suggests that the Slovenian's dominance has become so overwhelming that his competitors are almost conceding defeat before the race even begins. But is this a fair assessment, or are they simply raising the white flag too soon?
Pogacar's 2025 campaign has been historic. He claimed three Monuments, including the prestigious Il Lombardia, and secured his fourth Tour de France victory. His tactical prowess, consistency, and explosive power have left other teams, big and small, scrambling for answers.
'Led to the slaughter'
Even Team Visma | Lease a Bike, once a dominant force, seem at a loss. Van den Langenbergh observes that they, like others, appear to have accepted Pogacar's supremacy. But is this a strategic surrender or a genuine lack of options? After all, Jonas Vingegaard's Vuelta a Espana victory for Visma proves they still possess the ability to win.
A Reign of Brilliance or a Reign of Terror?
Pogacar's reign raises an intriguing question: Is his dominance a testament to his genius or a sign of a sport in need of a shake-up? While his achievements are undeniable, some worry that the thrill of competition is fading. Are we witnessing a new era of cycling or a one-man show?
As Pogacar continues to dominate, the debate rages on. Is his success a problem to solve or a reality to embrace? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Do we need a new strategy or a new superstar to challenge the status quo?
