Eddy Merckx says the Pogacar Tour record pursuit would not trouble him, even if it rewrites cycling history.

In an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, Merckx backed Tadej Pogačar as the leading favourite for July. The Belgian great also assessed Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, Isaac del Toro and Paul Seixas.

Pogačar, racing for UAE Team Emirates-XRG, enters the Tour de France as world champion. Merckx believes he can move level with the all-time record of five Tour wins this summer.

Merckx holds that mark alongside Jacques Anquetil, Bernard Hinault and Miguel Induráin. He won his five Tours between 1969 and 1974.

Merckx backs Pogacar Tour record pursuit

Asked for his Tour favourite, Merckx gave a direct answer: “Pogačar, of course.”

Merckx pointed to the Slovenian’s climbing fluency as the clearest reason for that view. He said Pogačar looks certain to win five Tours, and possibly six.

The 80-year-old also said he would not object if Pogačar equalled and then surpassed his total. Merckx said admiration comes naturally when a rider wins in such a manner.

Merckx still recognised the danger posed by Jonas Vingegaard. The Dane has already shown he can challenge Pogačar on the sport’s biggest stage.

Even so, Merckx suggested Vingegaard faces a hard task. He said the Dane may put Pogačar under pressure, but stopping him will be difficult.

Del Toro praise follows breakout season

Merckx also highlighted Isaac del Toro, Pogačar’s young Mexican teammate at UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

Del Toro arrives at his first Tour after a remarkable run of victories. His season has included wins at the UAE Tour, Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.

Merckx compared the apparent ease of Del Toro’s climbing with Pogačar’s style. He said both riders make climbing look simpler than it did during his own career.

He also mentioned Wout van Aert’s Paris-Roubaix victory, when Van Aert beat Pogačar. Merckx said he took real enjoyment from that performance.

Evenepoel must answer mountain questions

Remco Evenepoel also featured prominently in Merckx’s Tour de France outlook.

Evenepoel reached the final podium in 2024 and remains among the expected contenders this July. Merckx praised the Olympic champion’s broad ability and time trial strength.

He expects Evenepoel to beat Pogačar in the time trial. However, he stressed that the Tour still turns on climbing performance.

Merckx said Evenepoel must show progress in the high mountains. His long-climb performances earlier this season did not fully convince the Belgian legend.

However, Merckx also noted Evenepoel’s training camps. He hopes that preparation helps him climb better and stay close to Pogačar.

For Evenepoel, that mountain test may define his Tour. A strong ride there could keep him in the podium battle.

Seixas set for historic Tour debut

Merckx also discussed Paul Seixas, the 19-year-old debutant drawing attention before the race.

Seixas will become the youngest Tour de France starter since Adrien Cento in 1937. His selection has added another storyline to the general classification picture.

Merckx said 19 is young for a Tour start. Yet he pointed to Seixas’ ride at Liège-Bastogne-Liège as evidence of his quality.

The Belgian said many observers hope Seixas can stay near Pogačar on the climbs. That would mark a major statement from such a young rider.

The Tour de France begins on Saturday, 4 July, with a team time trial in Barcelona. The opening stage should create the first general classification gaps.

That start gives the main contenders little room to settle in. Pogačar, Vingegaard, Evenepoel and their teams will face pressure immediately.

For Merckx, though, the central question remains clear. He sees Pogačar as the rider most likely to define July, and perhaps Tour history.

For additional reporting, see www.domestiquecycling.com.