Miguel Induráin, one of cycling’s most revered legends, has issued a bold and intriguing message to Slovenian sensation Tadej Pogačar as the 2025 season approaches. Known for his five consecutive Tour de France victories between 1991 and 1995, Induráin remains a powerful figure in the world of professional cycling, and his insights are often considered gospel by fans and experts alike. In a recent interview with Marca, he offered a candid perspective on the upcoming season, his thoughts on the state of the sport, and notably, a pointed warning to the rising star of UAE Team Emirates – Tadej Pogačar.
While the two have never crossed paths personally, Induráin’s comments about Pogačar’s dominance on the cycling scene have stirred conversation. With the 2025 cycling calendar looming, the Spanish legend made it clear that, despite Pogačar’s string of impressive victories, he must avoid the pitfall of becoming complacent with his past successes. For Induráin, the focus should always be on what’s ahead, rather than resting on the laurels of previous triumphs.
“When a season starts, what you won the previous year is worthless”
Pogačar has often been compared to Induráin for his astonishing early career achievements. At just 24 years old, the Slovenian rider has already claimed multiple Grand Tour victories, including two Tours de France (2020 and 2021) and several Monument Classics. The list of accolades continues to grow, and with every win, the young star inches closer to the status of cycling’s all-time greats.
However, Induráin, with his vast experience and unmatched consistency in the sport, insists that Pogačar must now focus on the future and not let past victories cloud his vision. In his Marca interview, he emphasized, “When a season starts, what you won the previous year is worthless. You have to start from scratch every time.”
For Induráin, this is a fundamental truth that every professional cyclist must internalize, especially those who achieve rapid success like Pogačar. “The pressure only grows. Every year, the competition is fiercer, and what you achieved last season doesn’t matter when the new season begins,” he added.
Induráin’s warning serves as a reminder that past glory can quickly fade if not followed up by consistent performance. The cycling world, with its constantly evolving tactics, the rise of new competitors, and the unrelenting physical demands, does not offer room for complacency. It’s a message that will surely resonate with Pogačar and his team as they prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
The Unpredictability of the Modern Peloton
One of the factors contributing to the uncertainty of any new season is the increasingly unpredictable nature of the peloton. With new talents emerging year after year, riders who were once considered underdogs have now started to challenge the established hierarchy. The 2025 season will see a wealth of young riders looking to make their mark, including names like Remco Evenepoel, Jonas Vingegaard, and others, who have demonstrated their ability to win at the highest level.
Induráin, who dominated during an era that also saw fierce competition from the likes of Laurent Fignon, Jan Ullrich, and others, knows all too well how quickly things can change. Despite his own success, his reign at the top was always challenged by strong competitors. For Pogačar, the race for dominance may not be as straightforward as it once appeared.
“The sport is evolving rapidly. Riders who were not on the radar just a couple of seasons ago are now serious contenders for the big titles,” Induráin remarked. “Pogačar is a magnificent talent, but he cannot take it for granted. There will always be someone coming after you.”
This observation is particularly relevant in the context of the young generation of riders. Pogačar himself was once considered an underdog, a relative unknown when he won his first Tour de France in 2020. Now, as a two-time champion, he is regarded as one of the faces of the sport. However, as Induráin points out, cycling’s meritocracy is unforgiving, and new challengers will continue to rise through the ranks.
The Importance of Mental Resilience
A key theme in Induráin’s advice to Pogačar was the importance of mental resilience. Induráin was known not only for his physical prowess but also for his psychological fortitude. His ability to stay composed under pressure, especially during the grueling stages of the Tour de France, set him apart from many of his rivals. In contrast to the often highly emotional performances of modern riders, Induráin maintained a calm demeanor, which allowed him to make tactical decisions that often gave him an edge.
For Pogačar, the mental side of the sport is as important as the physical one. He has already demonstrated an incredible capacity for handling high-stakes moments, but Induráin believes the demands of being at the top of the sport will only increase as Pogačar’s career progresses.
“Pogačar is mentally strong, but the pressure will only intensify. The expectation from fans, the media, and even the team can wear you down if you’re not careful. He must remain grounded, focused, and resilient, especially when things don’t go according to plan,” Induráin advised.
This is particularly pertinent in light of the unpredictable nature of the sport. Pogačar’s 2024 season, for example, was marred by unexpected setbacks, including a difficult performance in the Vuelta a España, which saw his dominance in the grand tours questioned by some pundits. However, he bounced back from these challenges, proving the importance of mental strength. Induráin’s message seems to reflect the idea that even the best can have bad days, and how a rider handles those moments can make or break their legacy.
The Influence of the Team
Another aspect of the sport that Induráin highlighted during his conversation was the increasing importance of the team in modern cycling. Unlike in the past, when individual riders often fought for supremacy, today’s cycling environment requires seamless teamwork, particularly in multi-stage races like the Tour de France.
Pogačar’s team, UAE Team Emirates, has been a crucial factor in his success, with a strong support crew that has been instrumental in helping him secure victories. However, Induráin cautioned that relying too heavily on the team dynamic could sometimes hinder an individual’s development.
“Pogačar has a fantastic team, and they’ve done a lot for him,” Induráin stated. “But at the end of the day, you have to remember that, when it comes to the biggest races, it’s still you against the clock, you against your rivals. No one can ride the race for you.”
Induráin’s own career was built on the synergy between his individual talents and the strength of his team. Yet, he understands the balancing act required between working with teammates and asserting oneself as the leader when the situation demands it. Pogačar’s ability to remain the focal point of his team, while also leading with strategic autonomy, will be critical as he continues to fight for the sport’s top honors.
A Long Road Ahead
Ultimately, Induráin’s message to Pogačar was clear: the 2025 season represents a new beginning, and past successes offer no guarantees for the future. “Don’t rest on what you’ve already achieved,” Induráin said. “The true champions are the ones who can maintain their level of excellence year after year.”
For Tadej Pogačar, who has already accomplished more in his early years than many riders do in an entire career, the path forward will require a blend of physical preparation, mental resilience, and strategic thinking. The next few years will be crucial in determining whether he can build a legacy that rivals the greats like Miguel Induráin.
As the 2025 season approaches, one thing is certain: Pogačar’s journey to greatness is far from over, and the challenges are only just beginning.