Imagine a cyclist so dominant, so legendary, that a golden statue is erected in his honor before his career has even peaked. That's exactly what happened to Tadej Pogačar, the cycling phenom who has taken the sport by storm. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Pogačar already the greatest cyclist of all time, or is it too early to crown him? This past weekend, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG celebrated another record-breaking season in Abu Dhabi, and Pogačar was undeniably the star of the show. The team's end-of-season festivities at Al Hudayriat Island Circuit included a grand unveiling of Pogačar's golden statue, a testament to his unparalleled achievements. With 95 wins in the season and 97 victories in the calendar year 2025, the team set a new benchmark, but it was Pogačar's personal haul of 20 wins that stole the spotlight. Among his triumphs were three Monuments, a second consecutive World Championship title in Rwanda, and a fourth Tour de France victory—a feat that places him in the company of cycling legends like Merckx, Hinault, Indurain, and Anquetil. And this is the part most people miss: Pogačar's rise to stardom began in 2019 when he joined UAE Team Emirates-XRG as a 21-year-old. Since then, he has not only become the team's undisputed leader but also an iconic figure in the UAE's growing cycling community. Over 1,000 fans gathered to meet him and his teammates, a clear sign of his impact on the sport. Pogačar's statue joins the ranks of other cycling greats immortalized in bronze and gold, such as Federico Bahamontes in Spain, Nairo Quintana in Colombia, and Tom Boonen's legs on the Taaienberg. As he enters the off-season, Pogačar is already looking ahead to 2026, where he could match Peter Sagan's World Championships hat-trick and potentially secure a fifth Tour de France win. But here’s the question: Can anyone stop Pogačar's dominance, or is he destined to rewrite cycling history? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—is Pogačar the GOAT, or is it still too early to tell?
