Tadej Pogacar's influence in professional cycling is palpable all throughout the peloton, but it is not exclusive to the riders who struggle to reach the top. Over generations, Ion Izagirre has battled with some of the best climbers in the world. He argues that he has never seen a rider such as the UAE Team Emirates - XRG headliner.

"I think everything is changing, and cycling is no exception. I’ve seen major developments, particularly in research and equipment improvements," Izagirre shared with Sport.es. "Training methods have also evolved; new studies are constantly emerging, even if the fundamentals remain the same."

Izagirre turned professional back in 2010 and has been in the World Tour for 15 years - with the exception of the ongoing season, in which Cofidis stepped down to ProTeam level. A stage winner at all Grand Tours, GC winner at Itzulia Basque Country, Volta a Comunitat Valenciana and Tour de Pologne, he knows all too well what it is like to win at the top level.

Throughout his career, he has also battled in the week-long races with some of the very best in the world. Despite maintaining a high level deep into his career, the level difference between himself and the top of the field has never been bigger.

Ion Izagirre recently retired at Il Lombardia

Tadej Pogacar is something new in cycling

"I have raced alongside incredible riders like Contador, Wiggins, Froome, and Nibali, but Pogacar is something I have never seen before," the Basque rider added.

"He is a versatile cyclist who can perform well on any terrain and under any conditions. When you’re in the peloton, that’s when you truly realize how much power he is capable of producing".

Izagirre, 37, has recently raced for the final time in the peloton at Il Lombardia; whilst in September he took his final victory as a pro at the Memorial Marco Pantani.

Ion Izagirre on Alejandro Valverde 

The veteran has hung up his wheels after a career spent at Euskaltel, Movistar, Bahrain, Astana and Cofidis. All contract featured several years in duration - and from 2014 to 2016 he was part of Spain's top team. At the time, he raced alongside Alejandro Valverde at his prime.

An experience that Izagirre will never forget. He was full of praise for his former teammate: "He was at a fantastic level".

"He was a tremendous rider who always delivered the result when you were working for him. He was a true professional—he took great care of himself and trained like no one else."