Even the Greatest Can Fall: The Rare Moments Tadej Pogačar Was Beaten in 2025
Updated December 27, 2025 09:24 AM
Tadej Pogačar, the cycling juggernaut, seemed unstoppable in 2025. He dominated races, shattered records, and secured his second consecutive Tour de France victory, solidifying his position as the undisputed king of the peloton. With 20 wins, including a second rainbow jersey and a record-tying fifth Il Lombardia crown, Pogačar appeared invincible. But here's where it gets interesting: even the greatest champions have their off days. Let's delve into the rare occasions when the seemingly untouchable Pogačar was dethroned.
Thorns and Triumph: Strade Bianche's Unlikely Challenger
The Strade Bianche, known for its grueling gravel sectors, presented Pogačar with an unexpected adversary: a thorn bush. During a daring descent, a misjudged corner sent him tumbling into a ditch, his rainbow jersey shredded and skin pierced by countless thorns. Tom Pidcock, sensing an opportunity, pushed forward. But Pogačar, bloodied but unbowed, remounted and powered past Pidcock, leaving him in the dust. This wasn't a defeat, but a testament to Pogačar's resilience, even in the face of literal thorns in his side.
Van der Poel: The Consistent Conqueror
And this is the part most people miss: Mathieu van der Poel stands as perhaps the only rider who consistently challenges Pogačar's dominance. At Milan-San Remo, Pogačar, defying convention, attacked on the Cipressa, a move unseen since the 1990s. Van der Poel, undeterred, matched his audacity, leading to a thrilling three-man sprint. Van der Poel's tactical brilliance prevailed, showcasing his ability to outwit even the seemingly invincible Pogačar. This wasn't just a victory; it was a statement, proving that even the greatest can be outmaneuvered.
A Corner Too Fast: Paris-Roubaix Heartbreak
Paris-Roubaix, the brutal 'Hell of the North,' witnessed Pogačar's dream of becoming the first Tour de France winner to conquer its cobbles crumble in an instant. Riding shoulder-to-shoulder with Van der Poel, Pogačar misjudged a corner, his bike tangling in mud and turf. While not a catastrophic crash, this momentary lapse cost him the race. Van der Poel, relentless as ever, seized the opportunity, leaving Pogačar to settle for second. This defeat, born from a split-second error, highlights the fine line between triumph and tragedy in cycling.
Skjelmose's Double Upset: Amstel Gold Race Shock
The Amstel Gold Race delivered a jaw-dropping finale. Mattias Skjelmose, a young talent, outkicked both Pogačar and Remco Evenepoel in a thrilling sprint. Skjelmose, benefiting from Evenepoel's tireless pursuit of Pogačar, capitalized on the situation, leaving both favorites aggrieved. This victory wasn't just a win; it was a statement of Skjelmose's rising star and a reminder that even the most dominant riders can be vulnerable.
Van Aert's Parisian Redemption
The final stage of the Tour de France in Paris saw Wout van Aert, determined to salvage a season marred by injuries, challenge Pogačar on the treacherous Montmartre circuit. Their battle, amidst hundreds of thousands of spectators, was electrifying. Van Aert, fueled by desperation, pushed Pogačar to his limits. While Pogačar secured the yellow jersey, Van Aert claimed the stage victory, proving that even the champion can be pushed to his limits.
Evenepoel's Revenge: Kigali Time Trial
The UCI Road World Championships in Kigali witnessed a reversal of fortunes. Remco Evenepoel, starting behind Pogačar, unleashed a blistering performance, catching and overtaking the Slovenian in the final kilometers. Evenepoel's victory, his third consecutive TT world title, served as a sweet revenge after being bested by Pogačar in previous encounters. This race demonstrated that even the most dominant riders can be outpaced on their own terms.
The Debate: Is Pogačar Truly Unstoppable?
While Pogačar's 2025 season was undeniably dominant, these rare defeats raise intriguing questions. Are these moments mere anomalies, or do they hint at vulnerabilities in his armor? Can riders like Van der Poel, Evenepoel, and Skjelmose consistently challenge his reign? The cycling world eagerly awaits the 2026 season to see if Pogačar can maintain his dominance or if new challengers will rise to dethrone the king. What do you think? Can anyone truly stop Pogačar, or is he destined to reign supreme for years to come? Let the debate begin in the comments!
