Pogacar, 28, has won five editions of the Tour de France and next year could become the sole record holder of the sport’s centerpiece race. Aside from that, his countless victories throughout the calendar and his many triumphs on the monuments have carved out a career that very few in the sport’s history could even match.
“Drawing on unique data and analysis from WHOOP, supplemented by expert testimony, the documentary presents verified statistics and brings them to life through original graphic design,” said the press release issued. “Divided into five chapters, it explores various facets that help explain why Pogačar stands out from his opponents during a golden age of cycling”.
The film will not only include an exclusive interview with Pogacar, but also Eddy Merckx himself – the man whom most believe still stands in the Slovenian’s way of becoming cycling’s best ever.
Tadej Pogacar won his fifth Tour de France this summer
Thomas, Contador, Trentin and more provide special insightThe 45-minute long film will also feature former professional cyclists Geraint Thomas and Alberto Contador; former teammate Matteo Trentin; former coach Iñigo San Milán; Pogacar’s parents Mirko and Marjeta; sports scientist Jean-Benoit Morin; WHOOP vice-president Kristen Holmes and TNT Sports presenter Matt Stephens.
“I believe Tadej Pogačar is the greatest cyclist of all time,” Alberto Contador said. “Tadej wants to win everything. I think he aims to secure as many Monuments, Tour de France titles, and world championship titles as possible, in addition to winning as many individual stages as he can at the Tour de France.”
‘El Pistolero’, a legend in modern cycling and current presenter at Eurosport, believes the Slovenian has already reached the great of all time status.
“If you really think about it, it’s very difficult to find an athlete from any other sport throughout history who has been so vastly superior to their rivals. I was reflecting on this and thought of Usain Bolt. But, of course, Tadej Pogačar displays this level of dominance in every single race he enters, from February through October.”
Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner, shared a story in which Pogacar’s ability on the bike became clear: “There was one time when I was riding with Pog in Liège, and he was cruising along at over 400 watts. He pulled up next to me and just started chatting. And I thought, ‘Mate, I can’t really talk right now; I need to focus on getting up this climb as best I can.’ But he’s definitely got an extra gear or two compared to me—there’s no doubt about that.”
Eddy Merckx believes Pogacar is above him
Merckx, now 81 years old, holds many of cycling’s records and has been for decades regarded as the best of all time in the sport. But the Belgian ‘Cannibal’ believes he might have been surpassed now:
“It’s bringing back a form of cycling that we had forgotten. At this moment, he’s ahead of me,” he said in the film.
Pogacar shares insight on his career
The film will feature plenty statements from Pogacar himself, currently signed to UAE Team Emirates – XRG. “As long as we enjoy practicing this sport, the results will eventually come. When we stop having fun, we need to find something else that makes us happy.”
“In the most difficult moments, we have to realize: ‘I am here because I did all the necessary preparation, because I sacrificed everything to get to this point.’ We cannot give up. We must keep fighting, because after a bad spell, there are always better times ahead.”