Former Dutch cyclist Boogerd thinks it’s impossible for Pogacar to do better than in 2024: "Everything succeeded"

Is Boogerd also completely through with the unbeatable world champion? "No way, I can truly enjoy Tadej Pogacar," he says in conversation with Wielerrevue. "It is not his fault that he is much better than the rest. I watch it as a connoisseur and appreciate the effort immensely because I can estimate how good you have to be for that. But cycling is more than just the battle for victory."

As a true cycling lover, the former rider can enjoy racing like no other: then it doesn't matter how and what. "When I watch the World Championships, I also enjoy Bauke Mollema excelling in the race. Or Vingegaard leading his team in the Tour on the way to Plateau de Beille. And in the end, he still loses. I also find it beautiful to see someone be defeated in a classy way. There is beauty in that, too."

"Of course, I understand that people like excitement until the last kilometer," Boogerd puts it into perspective. "I like that too. But as a cycling fan, you should also be able to appreciate it when a champion like Pogacar shows his class." Boogerd, like everyone else, saw an untouchable Pogacar. But he thinks the Tour winner will struggle if he wants to match his 2024 performance. "It has been a particularly successful year for him. Everything succeeded. I don't think we will see such extreme dominance again next year."