Tadej Pogacar followed in the wake of Marco Pantani, sealing the first Giro d'Italia-Tour de France double of the 21st century with a swaggering victory in the final time trial stage of the 2024 Tour in Nice.
Pogacar now joins an exclusive group of riders who have achieved this feat, but no one has accomplished it in the modern era or with such confidence. During the two Grand Tours, covering a total distance close to 7,000 kilometers, his lead was over 16 minutes at various stages, and he held the leader's position for 39 days, either as the Giro d'Italia or Tour de France leader.
The last major showdown among the top contenders in this year's Tour took place on the scenic coastal roads of the Cote d'Azur. The Slovenian rider consistently dominated once again. In the time trial stretching from Monaco to Nice, Pogacar edged out Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel with a comfortable margin: 1 minute and 4 minutes respectively, securing overall victory by an impressive margin of 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Tadazio Pantani's Giro-Tour double took place 25 years ago in an era plagued by doping scandals, but Tadej Pogacar's achievement comes during a time when professional cycling is highly commercialized and technology-driven. The sport has also seen the rise of global sponsors representing different countries, with success stories emerging from previously overlooked nations such as Slovenia, Eritrea, and Ecuador.
Pogacar stands out as this era's champion, a free spirit who appeals to younger audiences eager for fresh faces in cycling. In contrast, Pantani achieved his double before he was even born. As evidenced by his impressive performance on Sunday, the 32-year-old rider continues to display the same determination and skill.
Critics have raised concerns about unconventional practices like "carbon monoxide rebreathing" employed during this year's Tour de France. However, Pogacar quickly clarified his stance on the matter. Meanwhile, other noteworthy achievements include Biniam Girmay becoming the first black African cyclist to win multiple stages and earn top honors in points classification and King of the Mountains categories.
While traditionalists may argue that the modernization of cycling has diluted its authenticity, others embrace this evolution, recognizing Tadej Pogacar's groundbreaking achievements as a testament to the sport's growth and appeal across generations.
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