Since 1970, a select few cyclists have managed to secure multiple race victories following their coronation as Road World Champion. The combination of grueling training schedules, the pressure to perform, and an increasingly packed racing calendar makes this achievement exceedingly rare.
The Modern Era: Data-Driven Dominance
Tadej Pogačar's remarkable 2024 season epitomizes this trend. After claiming the rainbow jersey, the Slovenian sensation went on to dominate the Giro dell'Emilia and Il Lombardia. The combination of talent, a well-organized team, and a data-driven approach has enabled riders like Pogačar to achieve such feats.
The Golden Era: Merckx and Co.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the golden age of cycling, several riders demonstrated the ability to string together multiple wins after securing the World Championship title. Eddy Merckx, the 'Cannibal,' was particularly prolific, adding five more victories to his tally in both 1971 and 1974. Felice Gimondi, Freddy Maertens, and Francesco Moser also achieved similar feats.
Why is it so difficult?
The combination of a World Championship title and multiple major victories in the same season is exceptionally rare due to several factors:
- Intense competition: The peloton is more competitive than ever.
- Specialization: Many riders specialize in specific disciplines, making it harder to excel in multiple areas.
- Packed racing calendar: The cycling calendar is crammed with Grand Tours and Classics, leaving little time for recovery.
- Psychological pressure: Wearing the rainbow jersey comes with added pressure.
The Future
Whether we will continue to see riders achieve multiple victories after winning the World Championship is uncertain. The sport is becoming increasingly professionalized, and competition is fiercer. However, it remains a fascinating question. Will a new Merckx emerge, or will we have to settle for sporadic flashes of brilliance?
Conclusion
Combining a World Championship title with multiple major victories in the same season is a monumental achievement.
Last World Champions who won two or more races before ending their season since 1970:
- 2024 | Tadej Pogacar (2)
- 1992 | Gianni Bugno (3)
- 1984 | Claude Criquielion (3)
- 1982 | Giuseppe Saronni (2)
- 1977 | Francesco Moser (4)
- 1976 | Freddy Maertens (5)
- 1974 | Eddy Merckx (5)
- 1973 | Felice Gimondi (3)
- 1971 | Eddy Merckx (5)
Do you think we will ever see another rider achieve the same level of dominance as Eddy Merckx, winning multiple major races following their World Championship title?
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