If a first survey in June showed a lack of interest among the French for the Tour de France in the absence of Julian Alaphilippe and Thibaut Pinot, they still seem to appreciate Tadej Pogacar. In any case, this is what a survey carried out by Odoxa for Winamax and RTL reveals, which reports that 59% of French people have a good opinion of the Slovenian.
Having become a true superstar of world cycling, Pogacar seems to hold the affection of the French public, but also of the public in general since 75% of amateurs and 81% of cycling fans also express a positive opinion towards him.
A popularity rating obtained both by his sporting abilities and his human qualities since among cycling enthusiasts, 70% describe him as friendly, 66% as charismatic, 64% as close to the public and even 64% as humble. For comparison, football star Kylian Mbappé only obtained this last qualifier from 35% of French people. His athletic qualities are still recognized since Odoxa adds that observers also highlight the spectacular appearance (85%) and the ability to run with panache (78%) of Tadej Pogacar.
60% of the public bored?
The year 2024 will have held no secrets for the Slovenian champion. Pogacar has won everything: World Championships, Tour de France, Tour of Catalonia, Giro… To the point of causing a certain weariness among the public? Today, 60% of cycling fans say that his domination takes away interest from the races in which he participates. And inevitably, when an athlete crushes everything without challenge in his discipline, doubts multiply as to his legitimacy. While 72% of French people considered that cycling was affected by doping in 2021, 54% of cycling fans doubt Pogacar’s performance to date.
While his rise to power has continued for four years, Tadej Pogacar is regularly the subject of numerous comparisons, particularly with Eddy Merckx. Considered the best cyclist in history, the Belgian readily admits the superiority of his heir. “It’s obvious he’s on top of me now. I already thought it a little deep down when I saw what he did in the last Tour de France but, this evening, there is no doubt,” he said after the victory. from Pogacar to Zurich.
However, a quarter of public opinion does not at all share the opinion of the 79-year-old former champion and thinks that the Slovenian will never come close to matching him, while conversely, 29% say that the comparison is perfectly legitimate. For the majority (45%), it is still too early to say. The Slovenian is only 26 years old and has not yet equaled Merckx’s record (11 grand tours versus 4, 19 monuments versus 7 and 3 world championship titles versus 1), but there is no doubt that time will do its work in his favor.
