Peter Sagan: the cyclist who changed the history of cycling
The Slovak Peter Sagan has entered the legend of cycling by becoming the only cyclist in history to win three consecutive World Championships. At 27 years old, the rider has revolutionized both road cycling and mountain biking with his spectacular style and his ability to compete on different terrains. With 104 victories and more than 200 podiums as a professional, Sagan has managed to elevate his status to the level of the great myths of cycling.
His feat in the World Championships not only places him alongside legendary names like Eddy Merckx, Alfredo Binda, and Óscar Freire, but also does so with an unprecedented milestone: winning three titles on three different continents. In 2015 he triumphed in Richmond (USA), in 2016 he conquered Doha (Qatar), and in 2017 he claimed victory in Bergen (Norway).
Dominating road cycling with a limited team
The most impressive thing about Peter Sagan is his ability to prevail over stronger teams with a much smaller national squad. At the 2017 Bergen World Championships, the Slovak team had only six cyclists, while the strongest teams lined up as many as nine riders. But this was not an isolated case: in his two previous World Championships, he was accompanied only by his brother Juraj Sagan and his childhood friend Michal Kolár.
Despite this disadvantage, Sagan has known how to use his explosiveness and tactical intelligence to prevail in the most demanding races. In Richmond 2015, he surprised with an attack on the iconic 23rd Street, beating specialists like Greg Van Avermaet and John Degenkolb. In Doha 2016, he withstood the wind and ended up outsprinting two legends like Mark Cavendish and Tom Boonen.
A complete cyclist: from the Tour de France to mountain biking
Although Sagan has dominated road cycling with his spectacular performances in the Tour de France, where he has won multiple stages and green jerseys, he has also demonstrated his versatility in mountain biking. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he left the road behind to compete in the cross-country discipline, where he staged an epic comeback up to third position before abandoning due to a mechanical issue.
This all-terrain spirit is what makes Sagan a unique cyclist, capable of putting on a show in any discipline. From the cobblestones of the Paris-Roubaix, where he has demonstrated his endurance on the toughest terrains, to the technical descents on mountain bikes, where his skill and bike control have made him a benchmark of modern cycling.
Peter Sagan's charisma: a show on and off the bike
Sagan is not only a champion on the bike, but also a media icon. His charisma and sense of spectacle have won over fans, who see him as the cycling equivalent of Valentino Rossi. From his iconic celebrations to his unexpected decisions in carrera, Sagan has made cycling a more attractive and accessible sport for the public.
Even his controversial moments have generated great impact. His expulsion from the 2017 Tour de France for an alleged elbow to Mark Cavendish sparked a worldwide debate about refereeing decisions in road cycling. And his participation in mountain biking at the Olympic Games showed that Sagan is more than just a sprinter: he is a complete cyclist, capable of performing in any discipline.
The legend of Sagan: the cyclist who breaks the mold
With his third consecutive World Championship, Peter Sagan has written his name in cycling history. His ability to challenge the best sprinters, classics specialists and climbers, both on road bikes and mountain bikes, makes him a must-reference for any fan.
If one thing is clear, it's that Sagan competes not only to win, but also to entertain. And that, in the world of cycling, is a legacy few can match.