Alberto Contador says Pogacar must win Monuments for greatness

Posted : 28 April 2025

Alberto Contador has shared his thoughts on Tadej Pogacar’s intense spring schedule, especially after the Slovenian’s non-stop racing throughout April. Pogacar secured his third victory at Liege-Bastogne-Liege over the weekend, capping off an extraordinary spring season. Despite the widespread admiration from the cycling world, Contador was one of the few to express some caution as Pogacar turns his attention to the upcoming Grand Tours. With a packed calendar, the question remains: has Pogacar reached his peak too early in the season, or is he perfectly primed for the challenges ahead, including the Tour de France and the World Championship?

Pogacar’s spring campaign has been remarkable, with victories in Strade Bianche and La Fleche Wallonne, a podium finish in Milano-Sanremo, and top results in the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the Amstel Gold Race. His consistency is unparalleled, as he became the first rider in history to land on the podium in six consecutive Monuments. Yet, with the Tour de France looming and a World Championship to consider later this year, there are concerns about whether he has overexerted himself during this spring stretch.

Contador, known for his experience in managing race calendars, believes Pogacar might be risking too much in the early part of the season. He noted that Pogacar is no longer attacking with the same frequency as before, perhaps a sign of a more calculated approach. “I think people around him must be advising him to hold back, to save energy,” said Contador. He believes that the packed spring schedule, despite its demands, might not be the optimal preparation for the Tour de France. “The constant efforts from such a calendar can be taxing on the body,” he added.

Pogacar is already a major contender in the conversation about the best rider in cycling history, competing with the legendary Eddy Merckx. Merckx holds 19 Monument victories and numerous Grand Tour titles, setting a high bar for Pogacar, who currently has nine Monument wins, three Tour de France titles, one Giro d'Italia victory, and one rainbow jersey. Although Pogacar has never won the Vuelta a Espana, he is targeting a potential Tour-Vuelta double this season.

Despite his success, Contador remains cautious about Pogacar's ability to maintain peak form over such a demanding season. "Every race he enters, he’s the favorite, but he faces tough competition from riders like Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel,” Contador pointed out. He went on to explain that while one-week races allow for recovery, the intense training between Monument races, especially when there are only two weeks between, can drain a rider psychologically.

Contador added that Pogacar’s strategy is a calculated risk. He acknowledged that if Pogacar wants to be considered one of the greatest in history, winning the Monuments is essential. However, the approach remains somewhat experimental. It’s a balancing act, trying to manage his focus on both the Monuments and the Grand Tours. There’s a fine line between pushing hard for Monument victories and reserving enough energy for the bigger goals later in the season.

At just 26 years old, Pogacar still has ample time to chase Merckx’s records. His decision to skip the Giro this year allows him to focus on multi-day races and prepare for the Tour de France defense. With his impressive list of titles already in hand, Pogacar’s future in the sport looks bright. How he manages his seasons in the coming years will ultimately determine how close he can get to Merckx's monumental achievements.

Alberto Contador says Pogacar must win Monuments for greatness

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