The Greatest of His Time, Yes: But Stephen Roche Hesitates to Call Tadej Pogačar the Greatest of All Time Just Yet
December 8, 2024 – In an exclusive interview, cycling legend Stephen Roche has acknowledged the extraordinary talent of Tadej Pogačar but stopped short of declaring him the “greatest of all time” (GOAT) in the sport. Despite the Slovenian’s remarkable achievements, Roche, who himself won the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and World Championship in 1987, suggests that it’s still too early to make such a bold claim.
Pogačar, now 25, has already established himself as one of cycling’s most dominant riders, securing multiple Grand Tour victories, including back-to-back wins at the Tour de France in 2020 and 2021. His versatility, mental toughness, and ability to shine across a wide range of terrain have earned him widespread praise from fans, analysts, and fellow riders alike.
However, in a recent conversation with reporters, Roche—who is widely regarded as one of the greatest cyclists of his era—cautioned against rushing to label Pogačar as the GOAT.
“He’s certainly the greatest of his time,” Roche said, “But to be called the greatest of all time, we need to see a more complete career. The competition today is fierce, and while Tadej has shown an incredible level of consistency, the history of the sport is rich with incredible riders like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Jacques Anquetil, who each defined their eras in different ways. Pogačar’s story isn’t finished yet.”
Roche’s comments echo a sentiment shared by some within the cycling community, who feel that while Pogačar’s dominance is undeniable, the label of “greatest of all time” carries with it a weight of sustained excellence over decades—something only a handful of riders in history have managed to achieve.
Merckx, often considered the standard bearer for cycling greatness, won a record 11 Grand Tours and accumulated an unparalleled number of one-day race victories, establishing a legacy that has yet to be surpassed. Other riders, including Hinault and Anquetil, also made their marks with numerous Grand Tour wins and classics, shaping the sport over many years.
While Pogačar has already accomplished feats that place him in the pantheon of greats, Roche believes there is still time for him to cement his legacy further. “He’s still so young,” Roche continued. “He has the potential to dominate for another decade, but cycling is a long game, and greatness is about longevity as much as it is about moments of brilliance.”
For Pogačar, the road ahead remains filled with opportunity. With the 2025 Tour de France just months away, he will have the chance to add even more to his already impressive resume. Whether he can match or exceed the careers of the sport’s all-time greats remains to be seen—but for now, it’s clear that Tadej Pogačar is the brightest star of his generation.
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