Eddy Merckx is clear: "Mathieu van der Poel is the only one who can challenge Pogacar"

The comparison between Pogacar and Eddy Merckx is constant, and many already consider the Slovenian as the best candidate to become the new greatest cyclist in history. That's why, every time Merckx speaks on the matter, his words tend to have a great impact.

This time, at 80 years old, the Belgian cycling legend claims that Tadej Pogacar is destined to surpass the record of five Tour de France victories. In an interview with De Telegraaf, the five-time Tour winner expressed his admiration for the Slovenian, whom he did not see "in trouble even once during the last edition of the French race".

The 'Cannibal' believes that Van der Poel is the only one who can overshadow Pogacar

"Pogacar has never, never, never been in difficulty," Merckx said about his superiority in the 2025 Tour. "This year lacked true excitement. Jonas Vingegaard was not a rival. He could only follow him for three weeks, never posing a real threat."

Merckx believes that Pogacar benefits from a more limited competition compared to his own golden era. "If he had more rivals, it would be harder for him to win so much, but if you ask me if he will surpass the five victories... my answer is: absolutely!"

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The former champion also expressed skepticism regarding the cyclists that many see as future contenders to Pogacar's throne. Remco Evenepoel is not in his predictions: "He is more of a time trialist, he lacks strength in the mountains to fight for the Tour." Juan Ayuso also does not convince him: "He does not have enough consistency to perform at the highest level for three weeks."

However, Merckx did find a rider capable of challenging the UAE Team Emirates champion, Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutchman, who shone again in the 2025 Tour with his spectacular offensive style, earned all the praise from the 'Cannibal'.

"Fantastic! He has had an incredible Tour, what an athlete! His dedication is unmatched and he always manages to surprise us with something beautiful. It's a shame he's not more of a Grand Tour rider, because he's the only one who could really stand up to Pogacar," he declared.

While Tadej Pogacar continues to enlarge his legend with a fourth Tour victory and a dream season, the lingering question is whether someday a rival capable of dethroning him will appear. For Merckx, only Van der Poel seems to have that potential.