Arnaud De Lie’s comments on Tadej Pogačar reflect both admiration and keen awareness of the level of competition in professional cycling. When De Lie says, “If he improves, he will continue to win all races,” he’s acknowledging the extraordinary talent of Pogačar while also implying that the Slovenian rider’s potential is still far from being fully tapped. Pogačar, already a two-time Tour de France winner and one of the most dominant figures in modern cycling, has set a high bar for any rival aiming to challenge his supremacy.
For De Lie, a rising star from Belgium, the goal is clear: improve, learn, and continue to push himself to compete at the highest level. While Pogačar may have a well-established edge in terms of experience and race wins, De Lie, only 22 years old, shows great promise. His breakthrough performances, including victories in one-day races and his ability to match up with seasoned pros, mark him as one of the brightest young talents in the sport.
The mention of “improving” is significant because cycling at the elite level is all about incremental gains. Riders like Pogačar and De Lie are constantly evolving, refining their tactics, building endurance, and enhancing their ability to read races. De Lie’s insight also reflects a broader truth about the sport: while talent is important, it is the continuous improvement that defines champions.
De Lie’s own aspirations go beyond just competing; he aims to win the biggest races in the world, and in Pogačar, he sees a model of excellence. For De Lie to challenge Pogačar’s dominance, he will need to excel not only in Grand Tours but also in the classics, where Pogačar has shown his strength in recent seasons. Winning requires a combination of physical power, mental resilience, and tactical intelligence—qualities that De Lie is honing as he matures in the sport.
In a way, De Lie’s statement about Pogačar is also a nod to the larger trajectory of cycling’s next generation. Pogačar’s greatness will continue to push others like De Lie to aim higher and take risks. The battle between these two riders could define the sport in the coming years, and De Lie’s recognition of that challenge is part of the motivation that drives him to improve. If De Lie’s trajectory continues upward, the rivalry with Pogačar could become one of the most thrilling storylines in cycling.
