UNBEATABLE: Has Pogačar Completed the Greatest Season? | The Gruppetto

[@EurosportCycling]

Where does Pogačar's 2024 season rank in cycling history? Let us know your thoughts 👇

[@louisfourie800]

Best all time( and I got proof). Even when comparing merckx 72 with tadej 24. Game was different back then for various reasons. But due to sensitivity, I wont elaborate. Only difference is merckx got paris roubaix and pogi got worlds. Worlds might be better who knows, so maybe difference is made in the 6th monument. Now unfortunately the both won strade so that doesnt help. How can we split the difference? I know, who won the most tour stages in that year. Pogi 6 merckx 5. Thats it, done deal!!! Thank you

[@louisfourie800]

Milan-san remo* Not paris roubai whoops🙈🙈

[@alekmilo6761]

GOAT

[@MarcelusTKW]

GOAT and hopefully with more to come. No offense to Eddie, but this is a world class peloton from a wider range of countries. Pogi is a one in a multi generational talent.

[@tonyg3091]

GOAT

[@LadyBird-n2t]

True generational talent! Still young and already The 🐐

[@tonyg3091]

We are watching The King racing and winning and listening to Rob Hatch telling the story. We are truly blessed. This is the best cycling era EVER.

[@nahom_girmay]

We are so lucky to have someone like him on our screens, always bringing us excitement and joy. True phenomenon,True Legend.

[@simongilliat2205]

Yep, Rob is very good

[@derickcastillo9083]

I am 56 years old. I don't remember Merckx, but I have never seen anyone like Pogi! Hinualt, Lemond, Indurain, Armstrong, Frome pale in comparison to Pogi!

[@eliasrosanelli2575]

Commentators at Strade: The was unique...Pogacar: proceeds to do the same thing 24 more times

[@robhatchsport]

Guilty!😅 Didn’t think we’d see it bettered. That’s how good the season was 😮

[@usurpareltrono]

I went back and watched Strade a couple of days ago and was thinking “if only they knew!”

[@robhatchsport]

@@usurpareltrono 🤣🤣🤣

[@usurpareltrono]

@@robhatchsport Whilst you're here - thanks for all the magnificent commentary again this year, Rob! Chapeau to you and the team (:

[@robhatchsport]

@@usurpareltrono Delighted you enjoy it! Thanks for the kind words.

[@tynelson9003]

great recap of the season! Doesn't get any better than Rob Hatch commentating on Pogacar

[@SmartMaterial]

Best season ever.

[@pompeymonkey3271]

Big love and thanks to you and all of your Eurosport colleagues! :)

[@Sills71]

Pog is the Michael Jordan of cycling.

[@TravelsWithTony]

the face behind the voice !!! good to see you sir !

[@johnferguson5658]

'Best' must of course also take account of the competition and conditions of victory. Merckx was certainly the best of his time, but this has been the best season any cycling professional has ever had, IMO.

[@권용대-b5v]

I don’t think I’ll ever witness triple crown again within a decade. If I do, it will probably be achieved by Tadej himself.

[@Blog4Justice]

Pogačar will probably be the favourite for the next three World Championships: a big mountain course in Kigali next year, familiar territory in Montreal in 2026, and Haute-Savoie in 2027, so theoretically he could be in the running for back-to-back-to-back-to-back Triple Crowns! 😁

[@CoolBeansGG]

Pogi only started !!! GOAT Sending regards from Slovenia

[@TobiasFaith-j1n]

Simple and Short: Pogi is the Goat! Its Art :)

[@alexvince8843]

GOAT !!!!

[@phacharawut]

Molto grande, il campione.

[@mabryq]

We should be greatful for Visma's approach towards Pogi for years. Without them we couldnt have this champion. I wish he will beat them as long as he races. Magnus Carlsen used to say that revange has to be achived more then just once.

[@tonyg3091]

Excellent point. They truly woke the beast.

[@onurson4000]

time will tell

[@miticojaja]

Merckx 1972, Tour de France + 6 stages, Giro d, Italia + 4 stages, 3 monuments ( Milano San Remo, Lieja, Lombardia ), plus Flecha Brabancona, Fleche Wallonne, Giro Piamonte, Giro de Emilia.. for a total of 33 victories... plus Hour World Record at the end of the season, is the best season ever

[@andrasszabo1570]

Frightening to think he was never the same after his accident in 1969. Even at 90% Merckx set every record in cycling worth setting.

[@messifan1065]

😂😂😂 Now say it again without tears in your eyes

[@dizyaster7700]

Merckx did a good job against amateur cigar farmers. Today he wouldnt be even in the top 10 conversation.

[@cyclist2906]

@@dizyaster7700 rubbish, mercks wattage for the hour record says different...

[@arcticchrisx7724]

Nah. Pogs season has 2 extra GT stages plus Worlds>MSR.

[@LanceHKW]

Very nice report!

[@EurosportCycling]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@louisfourie800]

@@EurosportCyclingyeah thx Rob. Really enjoy watching you!!!💪🏻

[@vausemike]

Could Merckx even compete with the current peloton. Yea he was best in his day but the bar is much higher now.

[@sanji2158]

The bar is higher now, we have more talent in the pool. And still Pogi is just as dominant, or slightly more when he races in 2024 than Merckx was in his best years. Thats all we have to go off unfortunately. But with todays training methods and science, i can guarantee you if Merckx time traveled and sat down on a 2024 bike, Pogi would beat him.

[@mariusmanoiu2228]

​@@sanji2158on climbs yes Pogi is better but Merckx was a beast in solo breakaways

[@MattGrovesFTW]

For how historic it is. Man adding an Olympic gold would have been so cool.

[@robbyrogersberg1520]

I think san Marino was where poggy decided to take MVPs World champs jersey from him, I dont think he forgets much

[@dizyaster7700]

Numero 1

[@Max__apex]

🐐 easily

[@AljazBratec]

He should not be called generational talent anymore, all time great suits him much better after such a season

[@lukadobo4769]

Best season ever!

[@TheNyxmaster]

Titan Pogacar... Yes, probably the best of all time!

[@neysenudaiyan8492]

Pogastrong

[@Jonifico]

Yes. Next question.

[@DennisNowland]

Surely the statistics/records will decide there is plenty of information now

[@robhatchsport]

Of course, but just wonder if it’s not a bit more subjective. IMO it’s harder to win as much nowadays. But like everything, it’s up for discussion 👌

[@philipmeisterl]

I have been watching cycling for 15 years (not that long i know) but the difference between him and everyone i have seen is unbelievable if you told me a few years ago someone like him would come around i wouldnt not have believed you

[@Bultish]

Wonder if he regrets not attempting 🟥 jersey also on this form 🦄❔😄 🟪🟨🟥 Would be one of a kind, his very own history book 💪💪

[@sillypuddystl2907]

I always wondered what this guy looks like,.. now I know. Robin Williams

[@marcusmaher-triskellionfil5158]

The greatest (undiscovered) doper of 2024, if it's too goid to be true, it usually is.

[@fangru7294]

That could be said literally about every record holder of everything....

[@weibenlieb]

If Pog continues like this for another season or two... When declaring the GOAT, style, grace, impact and personality surely must be taken into account. Just counting victories while comparing different eras is no good. Now decide by yourself! I am Slovenian, so not unbiased. But the fact that Pog can only be compared to Merckx says it all.

[@mikeclips8723]

Pogacar the best of all time

[@andrearancan9214]

1) Pogacar 2) Contador 3) Froome 4) Vingegaard 5) Nibali Best cyclists post Armstrong era.

[@TheRedDown]

Roglič is abave Contador and Nibali

[@andrearancan9214]

@@TheRedDown Roglic is above Contador? Do you know Contador was like the best GC rider in the world from 2007 to 2011 or not? When has Roglic been the best GC rider in the world? Come on, even Andy Schleck is better than Roglic

[@jefferygriffin8785]

Although I am amazed and impressed by Tadej Pogacar's dominance this year, he is not doped, I would draw everyone's attention to seasons 1971 and 1972 for Eddy Merckx. On a bike that weighed 3-4 lbs more and did not have compact drivetrain gear sets, eating food that was not as scientifically regulated, racing 80 days and then doing 6 day races for another 45 days in the "off season". FOR 2 CONSEQUTIVE YEARS. The ability of anyone born after 1980 to judge history is impaired by social media induced ADHA.

[@brendan3720]

All of Merckx's competitors also had those same disadvantages, much in the same way that Pogacar's competitors have those same advantages. That's why comparing between eras is a mug's game. The relevant marker is dominance within a given era, although of course that also also points to Pogacar's efforts being derived, in no small part, through the old adage of "better living through chemistry". As any cycling fan born after 1980 (including myself, 1981) can tell you, if it appears too good to be true in cycling, it almost certainly is. See Armstrong, Ullrich, , Delgado, Basso, Fignon, Pantani, Chiappucci, Zabel, Zulle, Virenque, Contador, Mayo, Vinokourov, Boonen, Hincapie, Frank Schleck, Hesjedal, Rasmussen, Danielson, Riis, Landis, Hamilton, Leipheimer, Zabriskie, Ricco, Kohl, Schumacher, Quintana, Rumsas, Wiggins etc. etc. etc.

[@tikilanichols8023]

This Pog guy seems like he's the best there is and already expected to win the races...why are the others racing him then? 😂

[@biruturban4783]

lets be honest. is he really clean from doping?

[@nomdaploom]

The peleton don't believe he is. Perhaps you should share your evidence with them? Feelings alone don't count.

[@bjornbaron5940]

I would suggest that the races are fixed.

[@nomdaploom]

@@bjornbaron5940 By whom?

[@bjornbaron5940]

@@nomdaploomby gambler mafia

[@mares7613]

He sure is one of the most WADA tested athlete of the day. And there is no comparison in testing methods between Armstrong era and now. Of course, nobody can stop you if you doubt on a hunch, but unless it is proven otherwise, he is the best rider there ever was. And with this kind of hunch based accusations, you can extend them to the whole peloton and sport in general. Very counter productive for my taste. I've heard that doping is very popular among amateur cyclists, are you one of them?

[@anomander-rake]

Had he gone to the Vuelta it might have been

[@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw]

He should have ridden the Vuelta too. He would have pissed it. Might not have the opportunity to win the 3 big tours again in his career. Surely a first for any rider?

[@louisfourie800]

Problem is what happens next year then. Sepp Kuss did it last year and look you that turned out this year. There was a article that came out today saying he is thinking about that tho. Would be awesome if he attempts it if he won giro and tour. He wont focuss on the classics then tho

[@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw]

@@louisfourie800 Team allowed Kuss to win it in recognition for all his hard work. It made a farce of the race really, but to be fair to Kuss he was good enough to be a contender. But the team obviously gifted him the win; especially after he was dropped by his team mate(s) at the top of a final climb. 👍🚴

[@louisfourie800]

@@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw not talking about him winnig. Talking bout his 24 season. He was no where

[@dilligaf2818]

@@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw whatever

[@jarnesanty2967]

not winning the olymics there for pokecar escobar hasn't completed the greatest season Remco has though.

[@theorientalknight]

Only person that can compete with PoGi is Jonas.

[@dilligaf2818]

I luv the Grupetto and rob .....but so over all the accolades about the Pog... The records show his wins alright but how can one rider win so convincingly and against the best in the peloton ??? The wins in most cases especially this year way too good ...call me a sceptic lets see if one day im proved wrong...

[@jarnesanty2967]

tired of seeing ppl appraising this doped kid im not watching cycling anymore to boring to easy with maxi- 1000 testosterone . from now on ill betcha anywhere he takes part of he will win no doubt am i getting delusional maybe . but he not normal kid has issues i swear can't stand it anymore this kis came out of nowhere suddenly he and hes whole team start dominating pff tbh UAE is a drug team.

[@Tarmaccyclocross]

💉💉💉

[@matthammond7504]

Will he still be considered the greatest if he’s found guilty of doping, somewhere down the road? You know… when the doping controls figure out what he’s been taking?

[@tolstoyed]

what if he’s not taking anything

[@brendan3720]

@@tolstoyed haha you're funny.

[@tolstoyed]

@@brendan3720 why?

[@louisfourie800]

@@matthammond7504 so who do you consider the greatest then? Merckx was found doping like 3 times

[@matthammond7504]

@@tolstoyed Then we’d all think it was a miracle…

[@luzzyrogue]

Again I repeat, the juice Innigo has developped with his so called "Lactate Fuelling blablablabla....." has to be controlled unless otherwise there would be no more cycling to watch. Remco is a talented professional, he did 652Watts for a minute then topped it with 500 Watts normalised for five minutes (which are decent numbers by his standards). But Tadej Pogacar was just not someone to get to. Ridiculous. At least Lance was only showing his chemical abilities in the Alps and Time trials, this is surely a disgrace.

[@dizyaster7700]

Your comment is a disgrace. Stop watching cycling or go worship one of the past dopers.

[@luzzyrogue]

@@dizyaster7700 You started watching cycling yesterday I would imagine.

[@tampafoxx]

your ignorance is actually the disgrace - san milan is not even his trainer anymore 🤡🤡🤡

[@luzzyrogue]

@@tampafoxx Innigo is the team doctor and trainer. Watch their KZbin channel on the start of the season camps you will see him taking blood tests off Poggi and Pavel.

[@tampafoxx]

@@luzzyrogue sigh....you're not helping yourself. he fired san milan...his dr is javier sola. you should not go around talking about who's a disgrace when you don't even know the basics of the team.

[@itsalegendsproduction]

Rob Hatch is tolerable, even good, until he has to pronounce non-English stuff and names. Then she showboats and overdoes it, and becomes annoying as hell.

[@ElSantoLuchador]

Chapeau to Pogacar, but he's making bike races boring. Who wants to watch sporting events when you know who wins before the game even starts? Not me. If the golden child starts to race more classics I'll see him there. Especially if it's Roubaix. Otherwise, meh.

[@dizyaster7700]

Cycling has never been more exciting. No more robotic sky era.

[@louisfourie800]

Someone delete this guys comment🙏🏻

[@tonyg3091]

Cycling has never been more interesting and drawing such viewership. The sport is booming. And we all have Peter Sagan to thank for that. 😂😂

[@fangru7294]

Boring? Thats weird considering that since Pogi came to scene cycling viewership is on the rise and reasching new heights as a worldwide sport.