Cycling in Spain and across Europe has come into the spotlight following another achievement by Tadej Pogačar. His victory in the third race of the 2026 season, marking his twelfth Monument win, has moved him to second place in the all-time rankings, behind only Eddy Merckx. For Spanish fans, this is not just a new record but also a shift in the balance of power in world cycling, where the dominance of a single rider may influence interest in classic races and affect team strategies.
Pogačar began the season with strong wins at Strade Bianche and Milan–San Remo, then added a third Tour of Flanders title to his list. This start to the season surprised experts and has forced a reassessment of expectations for upcoming races. According to RUSSPAIN, such rapid progress and consistent results are rare even among the top riders in world cycling.
A historic breakthrough
Currently, in the list of the most decorated Monument winners, Pogačar trails only Eddy Merckx, who has 19 victories. He is followed by Roger De Vlaeminck with 11, and Sean Kelly, Fausto Coppi, and Costante Girardengo, each with 9 wins. Notably, Pogačar reached this milestone at age 27, leaving plenty of time for new records and possibly to surpass Merckx.
In a post-race interview, Pogačar noted that the Tour of Flanders was particularly challenging, and his success was made possible by effective teamwork with other riders and smart tactics. He stressed that he chose not to wait after the ascent of Koppenberg to avoid giving rivals a chance at the finish line. This approach demonstrates maturity and strategic thinking rarely seen in athletes of his age.
New horizons
Pogačar’s next target is Paris–Roubaix, where he could complete his collection of victories in all five Monuments. According to him, rare race starts only increase the pressure, but that is what helps him deliver his best performance. Early season successes give him extra motivation and confidence ahead of one of the most demanding classic races.
Victory at the Tour of Flanders brought Pogačar several unique achievements. He became the first cyclist in history to win four Monuments in a row, a feat even Merckx did not accomplish during his years of dominance. The streak began with Liège–Bastogne–Liège, followed by Il Lombardia, Milan–Sanremo, and the Tour of Flanders. This result highlights the rider’s exceptional current form and ambition.
Records and comparisons
Another key fact: Pogacar now has at least three wins in three different Monuments—he has claimed Lombardia five times, Flanders three times, and Liege three times. Before him, only Merckx had achieved this. Furthermore, only these two riders have won both Milan–San Remo and the Tour of Flanders in the same season, further highlighting the uniqueness of these current achievements.
A streak of nine consecutive podium finishes in the five biggest Classics also sets Pogacar apart from his contemporaries. Since 2024, he has not finished below third place, a testament to his consistent performance and high level of preparation. Analysis by russpain.com suggests that such series are extremely rare and become a frequent topic of discussion among experts and fans.
Context and trends
In recent years, cycling has entered a period of record-breaking performances and the emergence of new stars. The surge of interest in classic races is due not only to the successes of individual athletes, but also to changes in team preparation, strategy, and technology. For example, in 2025, a young Belgian’s series of victories in the Ardennes Classics attracted attention, while in 2024 an unexpected Italian win at the Giro di Lombardia was widely discussed. Such events underscore that the battle for leadership is becoming more intense, and new records are being set more frequently than before.
