Tadej Pogačar, Ruth Chepngtich: Dominance in Cycling, Marathon Raises Scepticism

Posted : 17 October 2024

Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar has dominated the cycling world, completing what many consider the greatest year in the sport’s history by winning the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and World Championships. This remarkable feat makes him the first rider since 1987 to achieve this triple crown.

With eight victories out of ten competitions entered, including a fourth consecutive win at Il Lombardia, Pogačar's margin of victory often left competitors far behind, showcasing his exceptional talent and versatility on both climbs and flat terrains. He is increasingly compared to cycling legends like Eddie Merckx, with Merckx himself acknowledging Pogačar's superiority.

Pogačar's success is attributed not only to his physical prowess but also to the advanced support system surrounding him, including a strong team and a groundbreaking nutritionist. His training regime, exceptional physical attributes, and winning mentality position him as a top competitor, with ambitions for the future that include challenging for the Tour de France, Giro, and Vuelta in 2025—an achievement many consider beyond reach. At just 26 years old, he has already amassed three Tour de France titles and numerous other prestigious victories, making him a formidable force in cycling.

However, the post-Lance Armstrong era has cast a shadow of skepticism over Pogačar’s achievements. While he consistently performs at extraordinary levels, some fans and critics question the legitimacy of his victories, especially given the cycling community's troubled history with doping. Pogačar himself addresses these doubts candidly, emphasizing his desire to carve out his own legacy rather than compare himself to past athletes. He also expresses confusion over the motives of those who resort to performance-enhancing drugs, insisting that such choices are detrimental to both health and integrity.

Similarly, Kenyan runner Ruth Chepngtich recently set a new world record in the Chicago Marathon, clocking in at an astonishing 2:09:56 and becoming the first woman to finish under 2:10. Despite this groundbreaking achievement, skepticism lingers over her performance due to the historical context of doping in athletics, particularly with many Kenyan athletes facing suspensions in recent years.

Chepngtich’s achievements echo the doubts surrounding Pogačar, as both athletes face scrutiny for their extraordinary accomplishments in a sport marred by questions of authenticity. Ultimately, the legacy of these athletes remains intertwined with a lingering sense of doubt, overshadowing their remarkable feats and leaving fans to grapple with the implications of a changing sporting landscape.

Tadej Pogačar, Ruth Chepngtich: Dominance in Cycling, Marathon Raises Scepticism

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