Sporting-wise, everything is going smoothly for Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian has been virtually unbeatable for two seasons, especially in stage races, but this also comes with significant sacrifices and mental fatigue. According to Axel Merckx, this should not be underestimated.
In a conversation with his compatriot and former cycling champion Johan Museeuw for La Dernière Heure, the now 53-year-old Merckx expressed his concerns about the future of the four-time Tour winner. "Wherever Pogacar goes, he is always at the center of attention. And that is so exhausting," he warns the Slovenian.
The former professional cyclist knows what he's talking about as the son of the most successful cyclist of all time, Eddy Merckx. "I was too young to realize it myself, but when my father talked about the end of his cycling career, it was mostly about mental fatigue. That was what really wore him down in his later years. Much more than physical exhaustion. At some point, your brain sends the signal to stop."
Peter Sagan
Museeuw wholeheartedly agrees with his fellow countryman. "He needs to recharge his mind. I am curious how the Slovenian will handle all of this... Years ago, Peter Sagan had a similar lifestyle, which contributed to his decline." Even as a top cyclist, you have to occasionally take your foot off the gas and rest," says the Lion of Flanders.
Merckx is concerned about Pogacar but predominantly looks at the Slovenian's achievements with great admiration. "I prefer not to compare generations, but today he dominates just as my father did back then."
"Pogacar has an incredible palmarès, but what strikes me most is the freshness he consistently shows after crossing the finish line. Take the last World Championships. Everyone was completely exhausted, but with him, you almost wondered if he had really been on the bike for more than six hours."
