Former Tour de France winner Pedro Delgado has categorically said in a recent analysis of Tadeji Poganyar's future that "the reign of Poganyar will be a dictatorship" and that "by comparison, Remco-Evenepoel seems to be learning yet because he's really good."

A longtime cycling commentator with Spanish state television TVE on countless grand tours and other races, Delgado's career ended in 1994 with two Vueltas A España (1985, 1989) and the Tour de France (1988).

In a recent interview at a media event hosted by the Sports Press Association of the City of Valladolid (APDV), Delgado said that Poganyar will cycle for the next 5 years "he has no rivals," he added.

According to the local newspaper El Diario de Valladolid, "In the Poganyal dictatorship, it is impossible for rivals to shine," he said.

"His physical qualities are off the charts, and on top of that, he likes to do shows and win in style.

In 2024, Pogagnard had the best year to date, winning two monuments: the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France, the World Championships and Il Lombardia and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. With 25 wins this season, the 26-year-old has lost twice in Milan San Remo and GP Quebec.

Delgado even said that given the scale of Poganyar's rule, it would be difficult for up-and-coming Spanish riders to make a significant impact. He added that Delgado himself "would have been a very ordinary professional" if he had been racing now."In terms of nutrition, it's all very strict and I wouldn't have dealt with it. Cycling is very disciplined now and in fact, it takes a bit of madness in the mix for riders like the [Spanish] greats of yesteryear to show up: [1973 Tour de France

"Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates) and Carlos Rodriguez (Ineos Grenadier) are making progress It is a cyclist. But they are not at the level of Poganyal. But it looks like he's still learning the ropes.

"Poganyal is a real genius. It is not known how long his time will last, but not because of his physical qualities, but because he has acquired habits.

"Things can fall apart, but I think he'll dominate the sport for the next five years.

Delgado may have the opportunity to share his opinion with Poganyal on his home soil next year. The Slovenian recently confirmed that a return to the Vuelta a España, which finished in 2019 in 3rd place, is a possible option for his program in 2025.