Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe in Awe of Tadej Pogacar, Claim He’s ‘Greater Than Merckx’

“He’s Unbelievable!” – Geraint Thomas & Luke Rowe Marvel at ‘Better Than Merckx’ Tadej Pogacar

Geraint Thomas has faced Tadej Pogacar in some of the most grueling races, sharing the final podium at both the 2022 Tour de France and the 2024 Giro d’Italia with the Slovenian superstar. With this experience, the INEOS Grenadiers leader has a unique perspective on just how extraordinary Pogacar is as a rider.

In a recent episode of his “Watts Occurring” podcast, co-hosted with teammate Luke Rowe, Thomas expressed his amazement at Pogacar’s 2024 season. “He just won Montreal with a 23km solo break. I don’t think anyone has ever done that,” said the 38-year-old Welshman. “He attacked 80km out at Strade Bianche, won that. Took four stages and the overall in Catalunya. Then he won six stages in both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, plus the overall. He takes a break, comes back, and picks up right where he left off… It’s just insane!”

Rowe, also impressed, echoed Thomas’ sentiments about Pogacar’s dominance. “Everyone keeps saying, ‘He’s good, he’s good,’ but there hasn’t been a rider like him in a long time. He’s a once-in-a-generation talent,” remarked Rowe, who is nearing retirement.

Thomas took it a step further, comparing Pogacar to the legendary Eddy Merckx. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – he’s better than Merckx! Okay, he needs to keep doing this for a few more years, but I don’t see why he can’t.”

Rowe, who initially disagreed with this bold claim, has started to come around. “Six months ago, I didn’t agree with you,” he told Thomas. “But if he keeps winning like this, I might have to change my mind. He’s winning from January to October, taking the biggest races in the most dominant fashion. He’s just that good! He can climb, time-trial, and even win cobbled classics.”

Thomas summed it up by comparing Pogacar’s dominance to that of sprinters like Mark Cavendish, but with a twist. “A sprinter like Cavendish winning all year is impressive, but for Pog, he wins by just riding away from everyone. He’s by far the best rider in every race he enters.”