A bold statement from Thomas Voeckler has sparked a debate about the future of cycling. Voeckler, the French national coach, praised Tadej Pogacar’s exceptional talent but also raised concerns about the impact of his dominance on the sport.
“Pogacar is an incredible athlete, a true champion. His racing style is a joy to watch, but it’s also a double-edged sword,” Voeckler said.
He highlighted the European Championships as an example, where the entire race seemed to revolve around Pogacar. “The real competition was for third place. Fans were left wondering who would make the podium, which isn’t exactly thrilling.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Voeckler believes the issue goes beyond Pogacar’s talent. It’s about the structure of the sport and the financial disparities between teams.
“When a team like UAE Team Emirates has the resources to sign the best young riders and optimize every aspect, it creates an uneven playing field. Traditional teams, sponsored by long-standing companies, simply can’t keep up with the financial demands,” he explained.
The financial transformation of cycling over the past five years has been dramatic, according to Voeckler. “A massive influx of money has changed everything – salaries, budgets, expectations. Many teams and riders are left struggling to adapt.”
And this is the part most people miss: the impact on the WorldTour. To remain competitive, teams need budgets that have doubled in just five years. For many, this is unsustainable.
“Salary caps, budget caps, redistribution – these ideas are discussed, but I don’t see a quick fix. It would require a unified effort from teams, the UCI, and organizers. Until then, a few dominant riders and teams will continue to control the sport,” Voeckler said.
So, what’s the solution? Voeckler believes in preserving cycling’s free spirit. He rejects the idea of paid access to iconic climbs, like the Tour de France’s Alpe d’Huez. “Cycling should remain accessible to all. It’s a powerful symbol of freedom and equality.”
He suggests limited premium zones to attract partners, but warns against changing the essence of the Tour. “Christian Prudhomme won’t be happy if we start charging fans to watch the final kilometers of a legendary climb.”
Voeckler’s wish for 2026 is simple: more suspense. “I love Pogacar, but we need more competition. Some riders are avoiding events he participates in, except for the Tour. We need a more open, unpredictable season.”
What do you think? Should cycling embrace change to level the playing field, or preserve its traditional values? The debate is open…