Alberto Contador proclaimed on 6 July 2026 that Tadej Pogacar has become the greatest cyclist ever, even before securing a fifth Tour de France victory. The Spanish legend, now a Eurosport analyst, praised the Slovenian’s attacking style after Pogacar extended his lead to 2 minutes 42 seconds over Jonas Vingegaard on Stage 6 of the 2026 Tour.
Why did Contador rank Pogacar above all others?
Contador argued that the Tour alone cannot define greatness. “You have to look at everything he wins and, more importantly, how he wins,” he explained. He highlighted Pogacar’s willingness to attack 100 km from the finish on the Tour and solo moves 70 km out on Liège‑Bastogne‑Liège, calling those feats “extraordinary displays.”
How does Pogacar compare with legends like Merckx?
The former double‑Tour winner noted that Pogacar still trails Eddy Merckx in total victories, but he may never catch the Belgian. “Pogacar doesn’t ride smaller races; he picks only the biggest events on the calendar,” Contador said, stressing the quality of his wins over sheer quantity. He added that winning a world‑championship sprint in a ten‑rider group differs from a long‑range attack that reshapes a Grand Tour.
What does Contador say about the role of teammates?
While praising Pogacar, Contador also praised UAE Emirates for depth. He argued the team could replace João Almeida’s absence better than any other squad, pointing to Visma’s struggle after losing Wout van Aert. “UAE is the most prepared team to handle such a loss,” he asserted, noting that a reliable domestique like Almeida would be “absolutely indispensable.”
Which riders does Contador see as future podium threats?
Contador wasn’t surprised by Isaac del Toro’s stage win, calling it expected. He believes the Spaniard could finish on the Tour podium even without a UAE contract, and that the team could place two riders on the final podium again. The former Giro‑Tour double‑winner also warned that Jonas Vingegaard’s fatigue could surface in the third week, but he trusts the Danish rider’s ability to grow stronger as a race progresses.
What does this mean for the rest of the 2026 Tour?
With a 2 min 42 s gap, Pogacar sits where he wants to be, aiming for a historic fifth win. Contador’s endorsement adds weight to the narrative that Pogacar’s dominance may eclipse even Merckx’s legacy. The next stages will test whether Vingegaard can close the gap or if Pogacar’s team will continue to control the race.
How will Contador’s comments influence public perception?
Contador’s status as a two‑Tour champion gives his words credibility. Fans and pundits will likely cite his interview when debating the greatest of all time. As the Tour heads into the high mountains, the discussion about legacy will intensify, with Contador’s bold claim serving as a benchmark for future comparisons.