Tadej Pogacar: Eddy Merckx says Slovenian 'can win everything' in cycling after Tour of Flanders glory

Cycling great Eddy Merckx has expressed how much of a supporter he is of Tadej Pogacar after the Slovenian produced a remarkable solo victory in the fastest Tour of Flanders ever raced. After a stunning finish, Pogacar became only the third rider in history to win the Ronde and the Tour de France. Mercx believes there is no limit to what the 24-year-old is capable of achieving in the sport.

All-time cycling great Eddy Merckx believes Tadej Pogacar "can win everything" after winning a maiden Tour of Flanders title.

The two-time Tour de France champion produced a stunning solo attack on the penultimate climb to pass lone leader Mads Pedersen and said afterwards he "could retire after today and be proud of my career".

Pogacar now only needs Milano-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix to complete the Monument sweep; a feat only pulled off by Merckx, Rik Van Looy and Roger De Vlaeminck.

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Merckx believes Pogacar has what it takes to become one of the best in the history of the sport.

"It was an XXL victory because he did it with panache and style," he told La Derniere Heure.

"When he goes for it, you can see he’s not thinking about the consequences. He doesn’t ask himself any questions.

"That’s real cycling, the kind that people love. Tadej is an exceptional rider, and if he wants, he’s going to have an enormous palmares.

"We can’t compare my generation and modern-day cycling, but it’s clear that Pogacar can win everything. Even Paris-Roubaix, which on paper, is the least suitable race for him."

Merckx told Het Nieuwsblad: "Since Sunday afternoon in Oudenaarde, Tadej has entered the history of the sport.

"He is anything but a rider run by computer data, a trend which had taken over the sport too much in recent years.

"His presence in these kinds of races is a blessing for cycling fans."

'What a show!' - Relive Pogacar's attacks in Flanders

Video credit: TNT Sports

As well as Pogacar, Merckx was also impressed by the performances of Mathieu van der Poel (Alpecin-Deceuninck) who came second and fifth-placed Neilson Powless (EF Education-EasyPost).

"He [Van der Poel] raced very cleverly but Tadej was just a little better," he added.

"And did you see Neilson Powless? He’s a debutant who used to race with my son’s team as a U23. A class act."

Tour of Flanders 2023 men's race highlights: Pogacar dethrones Van der Poel in style

Video credit: TNT Sports

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