Tadej Pogacar has cemented his status as the undisputed king of world cycling, ending the 2025 season in the same commanding fashion he began it. The Slovenian rider claimed a record-equalling fifth consecutive victory at Il Lombardia, matching the legendary Fausto Coppi’s tally and achieving another milestone in a year that few could rival. His dominance extended across the entire calendar, from the gravel roads of Tuscany to the grand climbs of France and Italy.
The 27-year-old’s campaign began with a triumph at Strade Bianche and culminated with victories in the World and European Road Championships, where only Remco Evenepoel managed to challenge his supremacy. Pogacar’s relentless drive saw him emulate Eddy Merckx by winning three cycling monuments, the Tour de France, and the world title within the same year.
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Midway through the season, Pogacar hinted at burnout and even flirted with the idea of early retirement after securing his fourth Tour de France title. Rumours swirled that he had been asked to ease his dominance to prevent the Tour from becoming predictable. Taking a break after the Tour, Pogacar returned reinvigorated and finished the year on a high, describing it once again as “the best season so far.”
Elsewhere, Jonas Vingegaard found redemption by winning the Vuelta a España, although the event was overshadowed by protests linked to the Israel-Premier Tech team, which now faces a rebrand following internal and external pressure.
Tom Pidcock also enjoyed a breakthrough year, finishing third in the Vuelta and showing consistent form throughout the season. On the women’s side, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot made headlines by becoming the first Frenchwoman this century to win the Tour de France Femmes. However, her success sparked debate over body image and health in women’s cycling, as her notable weight loss raised concerns among peers and fans alike.
Emerging talents like French teenager Paul Seixas added to the excitement, showing promise with strong performances in the Tour de l’Avenir and European Championships. Still, 2025 ultimately belonged to Pogacar—a rider whose brilliance continues to captivate, divide, and redefine modern cycling.
