Article by David Istrate – published on Friday, August 15, 2025, 10:52 / Updated Friday, August 15, 2025 10:53
Axel Merckx (53 years old), the son of the legendary cyclist Eddy Merckx (80 years old), spoke about Tadej Pogacar (26 years), the best cyclist, which he compared to his father, a winner of the France's Tour.
At the end of July, Tadej Pogacar won for the 4th time in career the tour of Franceafter dominating the rival Jonas Vingegaard, and approached a single title by the record held by Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil and Miguel Indurain.
Axel Merckx: “Pogacar is as strong as my father was in his peak period”
Axel Merckx, the son of Eddy Merckx, who is considered the best cyclist of all time, noted Pogacar's performance and made a compliment to the Slovenian athlete:
“For several years, I have been looking for someone to rise to the challenge. So far, it has always seemed impossible but Pogacar is as strong as my father was in his peak period“, Said Axel, quoted by the brand.
At the same time, the former cyclist, bronze medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, asked a question about Pogacar, being still, as a fervent supporter of his father was expected.
“Maybe Tadej will be able to win the tour of France more than 5 times, but will win Milan – San Remo 7 times or Liege – Bastogne – Liege 5 times as my father? I honestly,” said Axel.
“To overcome my father, you should combine Pogacar's qualities, van der poel, Evenepoel and Cavendish in a single cyclist. Mathieu van der Poel would be the specialist of the classic spring races, Pogacar would be more versatile, Cavendish would be the sprinter, and Evenepoel The Specialist of the Contratimp. Each one is exceptional in his field, but he named someone who would combine their qualities could equal what my father did, ”he concluded.
