Cycling has evolved, and for Stefan Küng, that evolution has been a game-changer. But here's where it gets controversial: while many see the dominance of riders like Tadej Pogačar as an insurmountable challenge, Küng views it as an opportunity. He’s convinced that the sport’s advancements—from aerodynamics to nutrition—have actually played into his hands. Now, as he joins Tudor Pro Cycling, he’s ready to prove it.
This week, Küng will don Tudor’s black and red colors for the first time at the Challenge Mallorca, marking a fresh chapter in his career. It’s not just a change of jersey; it’s a strategic move to challenge the likes of Pogačar in the cobbled Classics. And this is the part most people miss: Küng isn’t just another rider in the peloton. As Tudor’s time trial specialist, he’s a key figure in developing cutting-edge equipment alongside sponsors like BMC and Sportful. His role extends beyond racing—he’s shaping the future of cycling technology.
Küng’s early-season form will be put to the test in Mallorca’s hilly terrain, culminating in Thursday’s 24km team time trial at the Trofeo Ses Salines. But his eyes are on bigger prizes. With a palmarès boasting six top-ten finishes in cobbled Monument Classics over the past four years—including a third-place at the 2022 Paris-Roubaix—he’s no stranger to the podium. Yet, he’s hungry for more.
Here’s the bold claim: Küng believes he can win a Monument, even in an era dominated by Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. ‘The odds might be against me,’ he admits, ‘but I believe that one day, that one win can happen.’ It’s a statement that sparks debate—can he truly dethrone the giants of the sport? Or is he simply a contender in a league of his own?
Tudor’s ambitious 2026 WorldTour schedule, which includes all three Grand Tours and major Classics, provides Küng with the perfect stage. Alongside teammates like Matteo Trentin and Luca Mozzato, he’ll lead the charge in the cobbled races, while Julian Alaphilippe and Marc Hirschi focus on the Ardennes Classics. It’s a well-rounded strategy, but the spotlight is firmly on Küng.
What makes Küng’s approach unique is his perspective on the sport’s evolution. ‘We’re going two or three kilometers per hour faster than a decade ago,’ he notes, crediting advancements in materials, training, and nutrition. Here’s the counterpoint: while some riders struggle with the increased intensity, Küng thrives in it. ‘When the race is hard from the start, that’s when I’m at my best,’ he explains. ‘It’s about durability and resilience—and that suits me perfectly.’
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Pogačar and Van der Poel. Their dominance has redefined the cobbled Classics, yet Küng remains undeterred. ‘Maybe I get tired a little less than the others,’ he suggests. ‘After the seventh or eighth hard acceleration, I’m still there, ready to compete.’ It’s a bold statement, but is it enough to challenge the kings of the cobbles?
As Küng embarks on this new chapter, one question lingers: Can he turn his belief into reality? The cobbles will tell. What do you think? Is Küng’s optimism warranted, or is he facing an uphill battle? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
