Eddy Merckx Breaks Silence to Defend Pogačar: “This Is a Crime Against Cycling”
In a moment that sent shockwaves through the cycling world, legendary rider Eddy Merckx has come forward with a passionate and scathing defense of Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar. Amidst growing criticism and speculation surrounding the young rider’s recent performances and future with his team, Merckx made a public statement that left no room for ambiguity: “What they are doing to him is a crime against cycling. How can someone be so cruel and abandon a 26-year-old guy who is carrying the weight of an entire country on his shoulders?”
Merckx, often dubbed “The Cannibal” for his relentless dominance during his career, rarely comments on modern-day controversies. That’s what made his words all the more powerful—this wasn’t a casual comment from a retired legend. This was a deliberate intervention by someone who has seen the cost of greatness, who understands the pressure of expectations, and who knows what it’s like to be isolated by those who should support you most.
Insiders report that Pogačar has been facing growing pressure from within his team’s management, with doubts being cast on his ability to maintain dominance across both Grand Tours and one-day classics. The recent media firestorm, fueled by anonymous leaks and tactical disagreements during this year’s Tour, seemed to ignite an undercurrent of betrayal. Whispers that Pogačar might be sidelined in favor of a younger, more “manageable” rider began swirling just days before Merckx stepped in.
But it was not just what Merckx said—it was how he ended his statement. Ten simple, haunting words that left fans, riders, and team officials frozen: “If you break him now, cycling will never forgive you.” The message was clear. This wasn’t merely about one rider; it was about the soul of the sport itself.
Exactly five minutes later, Tadej Pogačar issued a short but emotionally charged response on social media. No lengthy statement, no PR-filtered message—just two words and a photo: “Thank you,” paired with an image of him from his first Tour de France victory, draped in the Slovenian flag, eyes full of tears and hope. That subtle yet powerful moment was enough to turn the tide online. Hashtags like #StandWithTadej and #ProtectPogacar began trending across Europe. Fans flooded comment sections demanding transparency, support, and above all, respect for the rider who has become a symbol of cycling’s new era.
Pogačar’s career has been meteoric—two-time Tour de France champion by the age of 23, winner of monuments, and a crowd favorite for his humble demeanor and aggressive riding style. But as Merckx rightly pointed out, greatness comes with a heavy cost. The burden of national expectation, the physical toll of a packed race calendar, and now, the emotional weight of internal betrayal threaten to derail what could be one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
This isn’t the first time cycling has turned on its heroes, but rarely has the backlash been so swift—or so unfair. When a figure like Eddy Merckx, revered across generations, raises his voice, it’s not to stoke drama—it’s to sound the alarm. If cycling turns its back on Pogačar now, it risks not only losing a champion but alienating an entire generation of fans who believe in him.
The question now is whether his team—and the cycling establishment at large—will listen. Because if they don’t, Merckx’s warning may go down not just as a moment of truth, but as a grim prophecy.
