ESPN Headquarters — In a historic recognition that cements his status as a generational icon, Tadej Pogačar has officially been named the “Greatest Cyclist of the 21st Century” by ESPN. The selection, made after extensive panel analysis and global voting by experts, former champions, and fans, places the Slovenian phenom above a prestigious field of cycling legends.
At just 26 years old, Pogačar has redefined the modern image of a cyclist—not only with his incredible endurance and tactical brilliance, but also through a remarkably unselfish style of racing that has won over the cycling world. Known for his humility, fierce competitiveness, and consistent dominance across Grand Tours and Classics, Pogačar has earned comparisons to the greatest athletes in sports history.
The decision was not made lightly. ESPN’s panel weighed resumes, versatility, longevity, impact on the sport, and racing philosophy. Pogačar topped a star-studded list that included:
•Wout van Aert – Belgian powerhouse and all-terrain specialist
•Lotte Kopecky – Multi-discipline phenom and reigning world champion
•Katie Archibald – British track cycling legend and Olympic gold medalist
•Mark Cavendish – The “Manx Missile,” tied for most Tour de France stage wins
•Tahnée Seagrave – Trailblazing force in women’s downhill mountain biking
•Eddy Merckx – Though mostly active in the 20th century, still considered a benchmark for greatness
“Pogačar is not just a cyclist—he’s a master of his craft, a sportsman, and a symbol of a new era,” said one ESPN analyst. “He wins with brilliance, loses with grace, and always rides for the love of the sport. That’s why he stands alone.”
Pogačar’s résumé speaks volumes:
•2x Tour de France champion (2020, 2021)
•Multiple Monument victories, including Il Lombardia and Liège–Bastogne–Liège
•Olympic and World Championship podiums
•A fearless rider known for attacking, rather than defending, his leads
What sets him apart, many say, is not only the titles—but how he wins them. Whether pulling for teammates on brutal climbs or launching long-range solo attacks, Pogačar embodies a selflessness and joy rare at the elite level.
In his reaction to the honor, Pogačar remained characteristically humble:
“I ride because I love it. That’s always been the reason. To be mentioned in the same sentence as these legends is surreal. I’m just happy to be a part of this incredible sport.”
As cycling continues to evolve, Pogačar’s influence is already visible in a new generation of aggressive, all-around riders inspired by his fearless approach and unwavering spirit. While the debate over cycling’s true “GOAT” may rage on, ESPN’s latest declaration makes one thing clear:
In the 21st century, no one has ridden quite like Tadej Pogačar.
