Two down, three to go – Can Tadej Pogačar complete the Monument clean sweep?

Tadej Pogačar has further cemented his status among cycling’s all-time greats by securing his third victory at the Tour of Flanders, marking his twelfth Monument win and surpassing Roger De Vlaeminck to become second only to Eddy Merckx on the all-time list. The Slovenian World Champion has been dominant this season, winning every race he has entered, including Strade Bianche and Milan-San Remo, and now boasts four consecutive Monument triumphs. With just Paris-Roubaix remaining, Pogačar is on the cusp of achieving a rare clean sweep of all five Monuments, a feat that would etch his name even deeper into cycling history. Paris-Roubaix presents the most formidable challenge for Pogačar, as the race’s cobbled terrain is less naturally suited to his riding style and physique. Despite this, he impressed on his debut last year, finishing second after a crash and puncture thwarted his chances of victory. His main rival once again will be Mathieu van der Poel, alongside other strong contenders such as Mads Pedersen, Wout van Aert, and Filippo Ganna. While Pogačar has the power to match these riders, the unpredictable nature of Roubaix—with its frequent mechanical issues and punctures—means that luck will play a significant role in the outcome. Speaking after his Flanders win, Pogačar was cautious about the prospect of winning all five Monuments in a single season, acknowledging the difficulty of such an achievement and the need to take each race as it comes. He emphasised the complexity of winning even one Monument, highlighting that success depends on multiple factors aligning perfectly. Nonetheless, his race programme and current form suggest he is targeting victories wherever he competes, underlining his ambition and confidence. Support from his UAE Team Emirates-XRG squad will be crucial at Paris-Roubaix, with strong teammates including Florian Vermeersch, a former runner-up at the race who has shown excellent form this spring. While team tactics and support can help position Pogačar well, ultimately his own strength and resilience will determine whether he can overcome the unique challenges of the Hell of the North. Should he succeed, Pogačar would not only become the only rider to hold all five Monuments simultaneously but could also become the first to win them all in a single season, setting a new benchmark in professional cycling.