After equalling his Tour de France record, Eddy Merckx believes Pogačar needs a new goal: "If anyone can do it..."

Tadej Pogačar’s fifth Tour victory is within reach. The current yellow jersey holder in the Tour de France has a comfortable lead over his competitors heading into the final stage in Paris and thus appears set to claim his fifth overall victory in this Grand Tour. And that would tie the record.

That record has been held for years by four cycling legends: Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and, of course, Eddy Merckx—all of whom won the Tour de France five times. Pogačar is set to join this list after the 2026 edition, following his previous overall victories in 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025.

However, Merckx—who was consistently one of the Tour favorites in the early 1970s—doesn’t expect it to end with just a tie. “I congratulate him, but I believe that he will not only match me and the other champions—he will soon break our record for Tour victories,” said the Belgian champion in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Pogačar has impressed 81-year-old Merckx. “Every era has its champions; I don’t like making comparisons.” Ever since he turned pro, it was clear, of course, that he had exceptional talent. Well, maybe I didn’t think he’d become so impressive on the climbs—it seems to me that he’s breaking climbing records in every stage.”

However, Pogačar’s dominance also has a downside. For example, the Slovenian rider from UAE is still regularly booed by the crowd. The same thing happened to Merckx in his heyday. “People want to see a show; they get passionate about the duels. But when Pogačar decides to attack, he dominates and has no rivals. It happened to me, too, when I challenged Anquetil and Poulidor, the home favorites, and this year the French have Seixas in the top positions: perhaps they expected him to be closer to Pogačar.”

As France’s new hope, Seixas made his Tour debut—and did so with distinction. Could he become Pogačar’s most formidable rival in the future? “He’s young; let’s let him develop without too much pressure,” said Merckx. “He certainly has talent, but let’s not forget that the Slovenian isn’t even 28 yet and seems to be getting more well-rounded and stronger every season. Reaching his level right now seems to me to be a virtually impossible feat.”

What’s left for Pogačar to achieve? Perhaps this all-around talent will set his sights on winning the Giro, the Tour, and the Vuelta in the same season. Merckx: “If anyone can do it, it’s him. If the conditions are right, I think he can do it.” The Giro takes place in May, so you have two months to prepare for the Tour and nearly two more months to get ready for Spain. As long as there are no health issues, you can maintain your fitness throughout the entire period.”