Sanremo, Italy – Tadej Pogačar etched his name into cycling history on Saturday, claiming his first Milan-San Remo title and, in doing so, moved within striking distance of Eddy Merckx’s all-time record for victories in cycling’s prestigious “Monuments.” The 25-year-old Slovenian’s win, his 11th Monument victory, equals the career total of Roger de Vlaeminck, placing him firmly in pursuit of Merckx’s remarkable tally of 19.
The victory at the Primavera, as Milan-San Remo is known, marks a continuation of Pogačar’s dominance in the one-day Classics. He has now won three of the last three major Classics contested, adding to his victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Lombardy last season. This latest triumph underscores his versatility and growing stature as one of the sport’s most complete riders.
While Merckx’s record remains the benchmark, the pace at which Pogačar is accumulating Monument wins is noteworthy. It took the Belgian legend ten years to reach eleven Monument victories (1970-1979), whereas Pogačar achieved the same feat in just six years, securing his first Monument win at Liège-Bastogne-Liège in 2021.
The rivalry with Mathieu van der Poel continues to define this era of cycling. The Dutch rider, a two-time Milan-San Remo champion (2023, 2025), currently holds eight Monument victories. Their head-to-head battles are consistently thrilling, pushing both riders to their limits and captivating cycling fans worldwide.
Currently, Paris-Roubaix is the only Monument missing from Pogačar’s impressive palmarès. He has already demonstrated his prowess on the cobbles and many expect him to challenge for victory in the “Hell of the North” in the coming years. His overall record now includes four Tour de France titles and two World Championship titles, solidifying his position as a generational talent.
Tadej Pogacar’s Monument Victories
- Milan – San Remo: 2026
- Tour of Flanders: 2023, 2025
- Liège-Bastogne-Liège: 2021, 2024, 2025
- Tour of Lombardy: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
The question now isn’t *if* Pogačar will surpass Merckx, but *when*. The Slovenian’s relentless attacking style, combined with his exceptional endurance and tactical acumen, create him a formidable force in any race he enters. He’s proven capable of long breakaways and consistently puts pressure on his rivals, forcing them to respond.
For context, the “Monuments” are cycling’s five most prestigious one-day races: Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and the Tour of Lombardy. Winning these races is considered the pinnacle of achievement for a Classics specialist, and the riders who dominate them are often revered as legends of the sport. The difficulty of these races stems from their challenging terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and the sheer depth of competition.
Pogačar’s success isn’t just about physical strength; it’s also about intelligent racing. He consistently analyzes his opponents, identifies their weaknesses, and exploits them with perfectly timed attacks. This tactical awareness, combined with his raw power, makes him a truly complete cyclist.
The cycling world will be watching closely as Pogačar continues his pursuit of Merckx’s record. Each Monument he wins brings him closer to the legendary Belgian, and the anticipation surrounding his future performances is palpable. The next major checkpoint for Pogačar will be his preparation for the upcoming Ardennes Classics, where he will undoubtedly be a favorite to add to his already impressive tally.
Fans can follow Pogačar’s progress and receive official updates through his team’s website, UAE Team Emirates, and through official cycling news outlets like Cyclingnews.com. The next scheduled race for Pogačar is currently unconfirmed, but he is expected to compete in the upcoming stage races before returning to the Classics calendar.
