Tadej Pogacar in 2024: II Lombardia win caps historic season?

Posted : 24 December 2024

Tadej Pogacar capped a remarkable year with a fourth consecutive victory at Il Lombardia, marking his 25th win of the season and securing a second Monument alongside the rare Giro-Tour-Worlds Triple Crown, achieved for only the third time in cycling history. But how does Pogacar's 2024 compare to legendary seasons like Eddy Merckx’s dominance in 1974 or Stephen Roche’s groundbreaking 1987? His accolades include cycling’s first Triple Crown in 37 years, victories in his opening and closing races of the year, and commanding performances in the leader’s jersey for much of the Giro d’Italia and Tour de France.

The numbers behind Pogacar’s season are staggering. His solo triumph at Il Lombardia gave him a 44% win rate across 57 race days, with victories in 75% of his one-day races. Despite missing out on Milan-San Remo (finishing third) and the GP Cycliste de Quebec (seventh), Pogacar’s podium consistency was unparalleled, finishing in the top three 32 times across all competitions. Even in a rare off day, such as Stage 3 of the Giro where he placed 46th, he quickly rebounded to dominate the overall standings.

In Grand Tours, Pogacar’s dominance was unmatched. He claimed six stage wins in both the Giro and Tour, wearing the pink jersey for 19 days and the yellow jersey for 18. His leadership extended beyond those marquee events, as he led the Volta a Catalunya for five of its seven stages. Across all his stage races, Pogacar spent an extraordinary 91% of stages in the leader’s jersey, a testament to his unmatched consistency and strength.

Pogacar’s dominance wasn’t just about titles; his UCI points total eclipsed his nearest rival, Remco Evenepoel, by such a margin that his individual performance outscored entire teams like Movistar and Bahrain Victorious. Beyond the statistics, his flair and audacity on the bike set him apart. Pogacar’s long-range solo attacks, such as his decisive move in Strade Bianche or his incredible breakaway in Zurich, showcased his ability to crush opposition with both power and style.

The Slovenian’s achievements place him in the company of cycling’s greatest seasons, but comparisons are inevitable. From Georges Speicher’s Tour-Worlds double in 1933 to Pogacar’s comprehensive 2024 campaign, the sport has seen numerous dominant performances. Still, Pogacar’s ability to blend consistency, panache, and versatility has set his season apart.

As the debate continues about where Pogacar’s 2024 ranks in the pantheon of legendary cycling seasons, his accomplishments undeniably add a new chapter to the sport’s history. His combination of sheer numbers, strategic brilliance, and unmatched entertainment factor make his year one for the ages.

With eyes now on the future, Pogacar’s exceptional year leaves fans wondering just how much higher the young Slovenian can raise the bar in seasons to come.

Tadej Pogacar in 2024: II Lombardia win caps historic season?

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