Eddy Merckx watched Tadei Pogachar conquer Strade Bianche at his home in Belgium. The greatest rider in the history of the sport watched a fine young cannibal conquer the Strade Bianche, just as he himself had done in the 1960s and early 1970s.

Comparisons and arguments about who is the best rider in the history of the sport are often and easily made, but rarely are they fair and objective. That Merckx is the greatest ever in men's professional cycling is indisputable.

Despite now being 76 years old, Merckx has a competitive spirit and a keen understanding of the sport. He is pleased, however, that Pogachar is considered his successor.

"I have been told many times that 'this is the new Merckx' without the conditions being met."

"I have always said I don't want to compare.

"I've always said that I don't want to compare," he added with humility when interviewed by La Gazzetta dello Sport after Pogachar's win at Strade Bianche, "I've always said that I don't want to compare.

Merckx gave Pogachar the title of Campionissimo (an Italian title given to Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali).

"It is becoming increasingly difficult to find words to describe the work of this young man. Magnificent and formidable. Pogachar is campionissimo," Merckx said.

"Considering he is only 23 years old, it is unbelievable what he can do. There is a tendency these days to start winning at a young age, but what he is doing is unique."

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If Merckx had been competing in Strade Bianche, he would undoubtedly have made a solo attack at the 50 km mark, as Pogachar did.

"I was not surprised to see him attack so early because I had never seen him make a tactical mistake," Merckx suggested.

"He takes some action because he knows he can pull it off. That's a rare quality that only great riders possess."

"I've seen him do it before, and I've seen him do it again, and I've seen him do it again.

Pogachar will target Tirreno-Adriatico next week, and will also make his debut in the Tour of Flanders. Merckx has the most wins in Milan-San Remo with seven, and he is confident that Pogachar will win the Italian Classic in two weeks.

"He can definitely attack alone and run away with the poggio.

Pogachar has ruled out the possibility of a Tour de Flanders. This is because he has only raced the under-23 version of the classic race in Flanders and knows little of the race route of the trials.

"We are talking about one of the great riders. They have no limits and can't be compared to the average rider. Of course, it won't be easy for him with his lack of experience, but once he starts he will want to win," Merckx insisted.

"I like that he is always running to win. I mean he trains hard and prepares everything possible"

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"Riders like Pogachar dominate the sport at its best. Riders like Pogachar dominate the sport at its best. The masses are enthusiastic spectators and they increase their interest in the sport. I am convinced that Pogachar will make this sport even bigger."

"I am confident that Pogachar will make this sport even bigger.