Cycling legends call Tadej Pogacar the greatest of all time in new documentary

Two of cycling's most decorated figures have declared Tadej Pogacar the greatest rider in the sport's history in a new documentary released this week. The programme, The Anatomy of a G.O.A.T, is the first in a series on Eurosport, TNT Sports and HBO Max that examines what makes the world's best athletes exceptional.

Pogacar, who rides for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, enjoyed another remarkable season in 2026. He equalled the record with a fifth Tour de France title and secured his 13th one-day Monument victory, but a serious crash at the Vuelta a Espana in August ended his campaign early.

In the documentary, Spanish great Alberto Contador, a seven-time Grand Tour winner, says he believes Pogacar is the greatest cyclist of all time. Contador points to the Slovenian's desire to win everything from Monuments to world championships and individual stages, drawing a comparison with sprint legend Usain Bolt for his dominance across the entire season.

Belgian icon Eddy Merckx, himself a five-time Tour winner, goes further, admitting that Pogacar 'is now above me' in the all-time rankings. Merckx, known as 'The Cannibal' for his attacking style, praises Pogacar's fearlessness and says he has revived an aggressive form of racing that had been forgotten.

The programme also includes insights from former Tour winner Geraint Thomas, who recalls riding with Pogacar in Liege and being amazed as the Slovenian chatted casually while pushing more than 400 watts on a climb. Pogacar's mother, Marjeta, describes his cheerful childhood, saying he always did things with pleasure, 'singing and laughing'.

For cycling fans in the Gulf, the documentary offers a closer look at the man who has helped put UAE Team Emirates-XRG at the forefront of world cycling. It is available to stream on the platforms from this week.