Tadej Pogacar has been one of the most electrifying riders in professional cycling for several years, and 2024 seems to have been the year where his already impressive career reached new heights. A two-time Tour de France champion and five-time monument winner going into the season, Pogacar was already on an elite trajectory in the world of cycling. However, what he achieved in 2024 has only served to bolster his legend: two more monuments, a historic victory in the Giro d’Italia, a third Tour de France title, and an impressive World Championship win.
As he looks back at an extraordinary year, Pogacar opened up in an exclusive interview with Cycling Weekly, discussing how he made enormous strides as a rider and what led to his breakthrough performances. “It’s really an upgrade for me,” Pogacar admits, reflecting on the immense progress he has made, both in terms of his results and his personal growth as a cyclist. His words are not just a statement of fact, but an insight into the meticulous work ethic, mental fortitude, and evolving strategies that have helped him cement his place as one of the sport’s greatest talents.
The Rise of Pogacar: A Glimpse into 2024
Tadej Pogacar’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. His season began with a dominant performance in the Giro d’Italia, where he claimed his first-ever title in the iconic Italian Grand Tour. Pogacar, always known for his explosiveness on climbs, added a layer of consistency and adaptability in the 2024 Giro, which saw him not only control the overall classification but also claim crucial stage victories that demonstrated his versatility. The victory marked a new chapter in his career, proving that Pogacar could now challenge across all three Grand Tours.
Following his Giro triumph, Pogacar turned his attention to the Tour de France, a race where he has already etched his name in history as a two-time champion. However, the 2024 edition of the Tour would not be just another successful defense of his crown. Pogacar’s quest for a third Tour title was met with fierce competition, especially from the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, who had taken the 2023 title. Yet, Pogacar’s determination and unyielding focus throughout the race led him to a hard-fought victory. His ability to rise to the occasion in the most demanding stages, notably the high-mountain challenges, displayed a new level of strength and resilience that many had not anticipated.
“I was just focused on doing the best I could, day by day, to improve, to keep learning,” says Pogacar, reflecting on the Tour de France. “What’s key is how you deal with the ups and downs of a three-week race. I’ve learned from my previous experiences and I think I managed it well this year. The Tour is always special, but this time, I felt even more prepared.”
But perhaps the most defining aspect of Pogacar’s 2024 season was his performance in the world of one-day classics, with the addition of two more monumental wins to his resume: the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. These victories cemented his status as one of the most dominant all-rounders in the sport. While many cyclists specialize in one type of race—be it the Grand Tours or the classics—Pogacar is proving that he can excel across every discipline of professional cycling.
His ability to conquer the brutal cobblestone sections of Paris-Roubaix, a race that demands equal parts power and finesse, left many stunned. His calculated, yet aggressive approach in these races, in addition to his traditional dominance in the mountains, created a combination of strength and strategy that made him nearly unbeatable.
And as if his season wasn’t already complete, Pogacar capped it off with a monumental victory at the UCI World Championships in a race that perfectly showcased his tactical acumen. To win the rainbow jersey is every cyclist’s dream, and Pogacar’s victory—achieved through a combination of patience, timing, and relentless effort—was a testament to his continued growth as a rider and a competitor.
The “Upgrade” in Pogacar’s Riding Style
So, what exactly led to this phenomenal progress in 2024? According to Pogacar, his evolution has been shaped by a mix of factors—both physical and mental. The most significant change, however, seems to be the way he approaches his preparation and racing strategy.
“It’s all about continuous learning,” Pogacar explains. “Every race, every training session, there’s always something to take from it. What worked, what didn’t, how can I be better? Last year, I realized that I needed to work on my time trialing, my consistency in the Grand Tours, and also how I approach the classics.”
Pogacar’s time-trialing, long considered one of his weaker points compared to rivals like Vingegaard, made an immense leap forward in 2024. His enhanced time-trialing performance in the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia allowed him to not only limit losses but also gain precious seconds on some of his rivals. This improvement is credited to a more focused and personalized training program that has allowed Pogacar to become a more rounded rider.
Additionally, his ability to tackle the nuances of multi-stage races has reached new levels of precision. Where once he might have been seen as a pure climber or a young gun capable of great performances in selective races, Pogacar’s control of his pacing, his decision-making in breakaways, and his resilience through the harshest stages of a Grand Tour have elevated his status to that of an all-time great.
“I also feel like I’m mentally stronger now,” Pogacar admits. “The pressure of being the top favorite in every race isn’t easy to handle, but I’ve learned how to manage that. It’s about staying calm, staying focused, and believing in the process. It’s not always going to be perfect, but if you stay true to yourself and your goals, the results will come.”
The evolution of his tactical awareness is perhaps the most crucial element of Pogacar’s progress. While his natural talent was always evident, his ability to read races and make strategic decisions at critical moments is what truly sets him apart. Whether it was knowing when to attack on a mountain stage or being patient enough to let rivals exhaust themselves before making his move, Pogacar’s understanding of race dynamics is second to none.
The Role of UAE Team Emirates
It is also important to acknowledge the role of his team, UAE Team Emirates, in Pogacar’s continued success. The support structure around him has been essential in helping him fine-tune his performance. “The team plays such a big role,” he says. “From the directors to the mechanics, to my teammates who work tirelessly for me. We’ve built something special, and I think it’s a real factor in my improvement.”
Pogacar’s leadership within the team has also grown stronger, and he now serves as a central figure in UAE’s ambitious goals for the future. The chemistry between him and his support crew, particularly his domestiques and strategic partners, has become more seamless. They know when to protect him and when to allow him the freedom to chase victories.
“We have a very good understanding between us,” Pogacar adds. “They understand my strengths and weaknesses, and we communicate openly. That’s a huge asset for me, and I think it makes a difference in the results.”
Looking Ahead: More Glory on the Horizon?
As Pogacar reflects on his progress in 2024, it’s clear that he’s not resting on his laurels. The 2025 season looms large, and with it, even more ambitious goals. While many might see his 2024 campaign as the pinnacle, Pogacar seems more focused than ever on raising the bar further. “There’s always room for improvement,” he says with a glint in his eye. “I’m excited for what’s next. I want to keep challenging myself, keep pushing my limits.”
The cycling world is certainly excited to see where Pogacar’s trajectory will take him. With the combination of a tactical mind, raw power, and mental strength, he is positioned to add more chapters to his growing legacy. For Pogacar, 2024 might just be another stepping stone in an already remarkable career, but it is undeniably a year that elevated him to the very top of the sport.
Pogacar’s story is one of relentless improvement, unwavering focus, and, ultimately, an insatiable hunger for greatness. It’s a reminder to fans and cyclists alike that the pursuit of excellence is a journey without a final destination. If 2024 was any indication, Pogacar’s quest for cycling supremacy is far from over.
In his exclusive interview with Cycling Weekly, Tadej Pogacar made it clear: 2024 was not just a year of achievement, but of transformation. The victories, the titles, the personal growth—all of it added up to a rider who is now not only one of the best in the world but one of the best the sport has ever seen. With his continued focus, Pogacar is poised to further rewrite the history books, ensuring his place in the pantheon of cycling legends for years to come.
And for his fans, the only question left is: What will he do next? The road ahead is long, but if there’s one thing that’s certain, it’s that Tadej Pogacar will be there, chasing his next big victory.