As the cycling world eagerly anticipates the 2025 Tour de France, all eyes are on one rider who continues to make waves on the road: Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian sensation is being hailed by some of the sport’s greatest figures as the frontrunner for victory next July. One of the loudest voices of support comes from none other than five-time Tour de France winner Miguel Indurain, who has publicly declared Pogačar as the rider to beat for the upcoming edition of cycling’s most prestigious race.

Indurain, who dominated the Tour in the 1990s, believes Pogačar has all the ingredients for success, citing the 2024 victory as a key milestone in the Slovenian’s path to another Grand Boucle triumph. For the legendary Spaniard, Pogačar’s combination of strength, an elite team, and unwavering motivation places him head and shoulders above the competition.

Miguel Indurain Weighs In: Pogačar’s 2024 Win Solidifies His Position

Pogačar’s 2024 Tour de France victory was nothing short of impressive. The young star, racing for UAE Team Emirates, not only secured his second overall win but did so with a combination of panache, grit, and tactical intelligence that left his rivals in the dust. While some of his fellow competitors may have been seen as threats, Pogačar’s performance cemented his status as the rider to beat for 2025. And Indurain, a cycling legend himself, is unequivocal in his praise for the 25-year-old Slovenian.

Indurain’s endorsement comes as no surprise, given the magnitude of Pogačar’s accomplishments. “Even if you take away all his previous victories,” Indurain said, “Pogačar’s win in 2024 alone makes him the favourite for 2025.” His words highlight not just the prestige of winning the Tour, but also the strength and consistency required to succeed at cycling’s highest level. The sheer dominance Pogačar displayed in 2024, coupled with his unparalleled ability to deliver in crucial moments, makes him a formidable contender for years to come.

A Champion with the ‘Strength, Team, and Motivation’ to Win Again

Miguel Indurain’s belief in Pogačar’s ability to repeat in 2025 hinges on several key factors: his strength, the strength of his team, and his unparalleled motivation. Pogačar’s innate talent is evident, but it is his work ethic, discipline, and the depth of his support team that will allow him to continue competing at the highest level.

First and foremost, Pogačar’s strength as a rider is something that has impressed even the sport’s most experienced figures. His ability to perform in the mountains, his time-trial prowess, and his finishing sprint have made him a complete package. He’s not just a one-trick pony—he’s a multi-dimensional rider who can attack on any type of terrain. In recent years, his aggressive racing style has seen him take control of the peloton, and in 2024, he proved that he could withstand the pressure in one of the most grueling editions of the Tour in recent memory.

But it’s not just about individual talent. In order to secure a victory in a race as demanding as the Tour de France, a rider needs a team of dedicated and capable support. Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates has proven to be a powerhouse. Under the guidance of team principal Mauro Gianetti, the UAE squad has consistently provided Pogačar with the right support in key moments—whether it’s helping him during the climbing stages or ensuring he has the necessary protection in the flat stages.

This level of teamwork is vital in a race where every second counts. The best riders in the world can only succeed if they have a strong, cohesive team behind them, capable of defending them from rivals and protecting them from unexpected challenges. Pogačar’s team, which includes skilled riders like Rafal Majka and Joao Almeida, has been a key asset in his past victories and will no doubt continue to play a pivotal role in his bid for the 2025 Tour.

Another crucial element that sets Pogačar apart is his motivation. While many athletes might ease off after achieving their first victory in a major race like the Tour de France, Pogačar has proven that he is constantly hungry for more. His competitive spirit, his refusal to rest on his laurels, and his relentless drive to improve make him a standout in a sport full of elite athletes.

Indurain, who won his five Tours with a unique blend of intelligence, power, and stamina, sees Pogačar’s drive as one of his defining qualities. “It’s rare to see a rider as hungry and motivated as he is,” Indurain noted. “Even after winning the Tour twice, he still wants more.” This mindset, combined with his natural talent and strong team support, makes Pogačar a favorite not just for 2025 but potentially for many more years to come.

Rivalries and the Road Ahead

While Pogačar is undoubtedly the favourite heading into the 2025 Tour de France, he will face stiff competition from a new generation of riders. The likes of Jonas Vingegaard, who secured the 2023 Tour de France title, will not make Pogačar’s road to a third victory easy. The Danish rider’s team, Jumbo-Visma, has proven to be a formidable force in recent years, and Vingegaard’s ability to challenge Pogačar in the mountains makes him one of the few riders capable of taking on the Slovenian’s dominance.

However, Indurain is confident that Pogačar has what it takes to overcome these challenges. “Jonas Vingegaard is an excellent rider, and other young talents will continue to emerge,” Indurain acknowledged. “But Pogačar’s consistency and his ability to perform under pressure are second to none. I expect him to remain the rider to beat for many years.”

One of the exciting aspects of the 2025 Tour will be the ongoing battle between these two giants of the sport—Pogačar, with his youthful enthusiasm and refined skill set, and Vingegaard, with his experience and tactical acumen. The rivalry between these two will undoubtedly captivate fans around the world as they go head-to-head on the grueling climbs of the Alps and Pyrenees.

The Legacy of Miguel Indurain and the Future of Cycling

For Indurain, the prospect of seeing a rider like Pogačar take the Tour de France by storm in 2025 brings back memories of his own triumphs during the 1990s. Indurain’s dominance in the sport was unparalleled, and he became a symbol of consistency and power. Now, he is passing the torch to the next generation, and it seems clear that Pogačar is the rider who will continue to carry the mantle of Tour de France greatness.

“Seeing the young riders like Pogačar reminds me of the passion I had for the sport,” Indurain reflected. “It’s exciting to see someone like him, with the potential to not just win but dominate the Tour, year after year.”

With the 2025 Tour de France still months away, it’s clear that the stage is set for an incredible battle. Pogačar, as the clear favourite, will have to fend off rivals like Vingegaard while maintaining the focus and determination that has already earned him two Tour victories. But with the backing of figures like Indurain, there is no doubt that Pogačar will be ready for the challenge—and could very well make history once again in the heart of France.

 A Future Star’s Time to Shine

Miguel Indurain’s endorsement of Tadej Pogačar is a testament to the young Slovenian’s exceptional talent, mental fortitude, and all-around ability to conquer the Tour de France. With his victory in 2024, Pogačar has established himself as the undisputed favourite for the 2025 edition, and Indurain’s words only strengthen that belief. If Pogačar can continue his upward trajectory, the 2025 Tour de France could see another dominant performance that might rival Indurain’s legendary reign of the 1990s.

As fans, we’re witnessing the rise of a new icon in the sport of cycling—one with the strength, team, and motivation to challenge the limits of what’s possible on the world’s greatest stage. If 2024 was any indication, the 2025 Tour will be Pogačar’s time to shine once again.