Tadej Pogačar’s first race of the 2025 season was meant to be the start of another dominant campaign, but instead, it turned into a rare display of vulnerability for the Slovenian prodigy. A miscalculation in an uphill sprint, combined with the unexpected crash of his key sprinter, Juan Sebastián Molano, left Pogačar with a taste of defeat in his mouth rather than the victory that had seemed so likely just a few days prior.
The 2025 race season kicked off in dramatic fashion at the opening stage of a prestigious early-season race, where Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates was primed for success. With Molano in peak form and Pogačar’s exceptional ability to read a race, the team seemed poised to assert their dominance. However, as the race unfolded, it became clear that even the best can misstep.
An Early Charge and the Wind That Came with It
The opening stage featured a rolling course, with an uphill finish that was likely to suit the climbers and punchers. Pogačar, known for his versatility in different terrains, had been focused on controlling the race and positioning himself perfectly for the sprint. With a combination of aggressive tactics and sheer talent, he had previously shown that he could take on uphill finishes in grand style. However, the wind and the technical nature of the climb caused Pogačar to make a mistake that is all too rare in his illustrious career.
“I went so early in the wind,” Pogačar admitted post-race, reflecting on his premature push at the crest of the climb. “It was an error in judgment; I thought I could hold it, but the wind was a lot stronger than I anticipated.”
As the climb neared its final stretch, Pogačar made his move, launching into what appeared to be a perfectly timed acceleration, looking to leave the competition behind in a flurry of speed. But with the wind playing a pivotal role on the narrow, twisting ascent, his efforts faltered. His decision to go early left him exposed, and the pack quickly closed in.
“I thought I had enough distance to hold my pace, but I just couldn’t manage it,” Pogačar continued. “The wind was relentless, and once the others found their rhythm, I was struggling to maintain the gap. I was already in my final gears, and I knew I had misjudged it.”
Despite the tactical mistake, Pogačar finished in a solid position within the top ten. However, the result was a far cry from the victory he had hoped for. Instead, the stage win went to one of his rivals, a younger rider who managed to capitalize on Pogačar’s error.
The Shock of Molano’s Crash
The setback for Pogačar didn’t end with the uphill sprint. In a cruel twist of fate, his key sprinter, Juan Sebastián Molano, who had been instrumental in helping Pogačar in past sprints, suffered a crash during the final kilometers of the stage. The Colombian sprinter, a powerful figure in the fast finishes, was left out of contention entirely after a mishap in a tight corner, leaving Pogačar to finish the stage without his lead-out man.
While Pogačar is well-known for his ability to win races on his own, the loss of Molano in the final sprint was a bitter blow to the team’s plans. Without his trusted lead-out man, Pogačar was forced to ride a more isolated race, navigating the final stretch of the climb and looking to conserve his energy for a potential kick to the line. The absence of Molano, who had been instrumental in Pogačar’s success in previous races, left the world champion scrambling to adjust his strategy.
The team’s sports director, who was watching the race unfold from the team car, expressed his concern. “It’s a shame about Molano. We were really relying on him to position Tadej for the final push,” the director said after the race. “But this is bike racing. Things happen, and we have to adapt. Tadej did what he could, but we’ll have to look at how we adjust our tactics going forward.”
Molano, who was later diagnosed with a minor injury, was forced to abandon the stage, unable to continue with the race. His absence in the upcoming stages left the team scrambling to reassess its strategy for the rest of the event.
Pogačar’s Rare Mistake
While the uphill sprint miscalculation was a moment of rare vulnerability for Pogačar, it was a reminder that even the most talented riders are human. For a rider who has dominated the sport with seemingly effortless precision, this moment of error was a stark contrast to his usual poise under pressure. Pogačar’s ability to read the race, anticipate moves, and adjust on the fly has earned him a reputation as one of the best tactical riders in the world, making this mistake all the more notable.
Pogačar has built his career on consistency, and this minor blip, while notable, will likely not have a lasting impact on his trajectory for the season. In fact, the moment may serve as motivation for the Slovenian to sharpen his race sense and further refine his judgment in future stages.
“I know what I did wrong, and I’ll learn from it,” Pogačar reflected. “You can’t win them all, and sometimes a mistake like this helps you grow. The key is bouncing back stronger.”
Stage 2: A Time Trial Redemption?
With the uphill sprint behind him, Pogačar now turns his attention to the second stage of the race, a time trial that will be more in his wheelhouse. Known for his exceptional time trialing abilities, Pogačar is expected to bounce back with a vengeance, eager to demonstrate his resilience. The time trial, which features a mix of technical sections and flat-out power, is an event that suits Pogačar’s strengths, and many are already predicting that he will emerge as the stage winner.
“We are confident that Tadej will be able to showcase his full capabilities in the time trial,” said the UAE Team Emirates director. “He’s focused, and he knows how to handle himself in those types of races. It’s going to be a chance for him to prove himself again.”
Pogačar’s training leading up to the season has been nothing short of meticulous, with the Slovenian putting in countless hours of preparation specifically for time trials. His performance in the discipline last season, where he won numerous time trials and consistently ranked at the top of the standings, has further solidified his reputation as a rider who can excel against the clock.
With Molano on the sidelines and his team recalibrating its tactics, Pogačar is determined to put the uphill sprint debacle behind him and take control of the race once more. If he can execute a perfect time trial performance, he could not only take back the momentum but also send a message to his rivals that a single mistake will not define his season.
A Champion’s Mentality
Pogačar’s response to this early-season mistake speaks volumes about his mentality as a champion. While many would let a small error shake their confidence, Pogačar is already looking ahead. “It’s a long season,” he said with a calm, measured tone. “One race, one mistake—it doesn’t define everything. There will be plenty more opportunities to get it right.”
As the season progresses, Pogačar will no doubt continue to be the rider to beat. His ability to turn adversity into motivation is one of the traits that has propelled him to the top of the cycling world. The 2025 season is just beginning, and if history is any indication, this rare mistake will be but a blip in the context of another thrilling year of racing.
For now, Pogačar’s focus is squarely on the next challenge: Stage 2’s time trial. With his head held high and a steely determination in his eyes, he is ready to put his uphill sprint mistake behind him and take another step toward greatness.