Tadej Pogačar Makes History with Podium Finishes in Six Consecutive Monument Classics
In the world of professional cycling, few achievements rival consistency at the sport’s five prestigious Monument Classics. These legendary one-day races—Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia—are the benchmarks of endurance, tactical brilliance, and raw talent. Now, Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogačar has etched his name into cycling history by becoming the first rider ever to finish on the podium in six consecutive Monuments, a feat that highlights his all-around brilliance and marks him as one of the greatest of his generation.
Pogačar’s streak began in 2023 and has continued into 2024, spanning a variety of terrains and challenges that typically favor different types of riders. This makes his achievement all the more impressive. From the cobbles of Flanders and Roubaix to the punishing climbs of Liège and Lombardy, Pogačar has not only competed but consistently outperformed specialists in each discipline.
The run started with a podium in the 2023 Milan-San Remo, traditionally a sprinter’s race, where Pogačar’s aggressive riding on the Poggio helped break the field apart. He followed that with a powerful second place at the Tour of Flanders, displaying climbing prowess on the bergs and tactical maturity beyond his years. His victory at the 2023 Il Lombardia, his third in the race, underlined his mastery of the long, mountainous classic and showed that he could dominate when the race is shaped to his strengths.
In 2024, the streak continued with another strong ride at Milan-San Remo, followed by a historic podium at Paris-Roubaix—perhaps the most unexpected result in the run. Known for its brutal cobblestone sectors and grueling flat terrain, Roubaix is usually the domain of the most hardened classics specialists. Pogačar’s ability to survive and thrive in that punishing environment surprised many and showcased his determination to leave no stone unturned in his quest for greatness.
He capped the run with another spectacular performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where his climbing abilities and race intelligence again saw him among the top three. This podium marked his sixth consecutive Monument finish in the top three—a run never before accomplished, not by Eddy Merckx, not by Fausto Coppi, and not by Tom Boonen or Fabian Cancellara.
What makes Pogačar’s achievement extraordinary is its breadth. The Monuments vary widely in style and require different physical attributes and tactical approaches. That one rider can adapt so seamlessly across all five is a testament to his unique blend of talent, preparation, and ambition.
At just 26 years old, Tadej Pogačar is redefining what’s possible in modern cycling. Beyond his two Tour de France titles, this streak of Monument podiums cements his legacy not just as a Grand Tour rider, but as an all-time great in the Classics as well. With his career still very much in its prime, there’s no telling how many more records he might shatter in the years ahead.
