Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has captured the cycling world’s attention in the last few years, securing his place as one of the most dominant riders of his generation. At only 24 years old, Pogačar’s list of accolades reads like a highlight reel of the sport itself: two-time Tour de France champion, multiple one-day classic victories, and record-breaking performances that have placed him in a league of his own. Now, as Pogačar continues to push the boundaries of what is possible on two wheels, we sit down with the young star to discuss his career, motivations, and what comes next for the future of cycling.
A Humble Beginning and Meteoric Rise
Born in Komenda, Slovenia, Tadej Pogačar’s rise to cycling superstardom has been nothing short of remarkable. Coming from a small town, he began his cycling career like many others—riding with friends for fun. But his natural talent on the bike quickly became evident, and it wasn’t long before he joined the local club, where he would begin the journey that would eventually lead to the pro ranks.
In 2019, Pogačar’s breakthrough came when he joined the UAE Team Emirates and stunned the cycling world by winning the prestigious Tour de France at the age of 21. It was an unprecedented victory for such a young rider, one that broke the norm of cycling’s traditional powerhouses. His aggressive riding style, tactical brilliance, and incredible endurance took him to the top, a feat that many experts believed was still years away for him. Yet, he proved them wrong in the most spectacular of ways.
Following his success in the 2020 Tour de France, Pogačar didn’t rest on his laurels. In 2021, he again dominated the world’s most famous cycling race, becoming the youngest rider to win the Tour twice, cementing his legacy as one of the greats of the sport.
When we asked him how he managed such incredible achievements at such a young age, he was characteristically humble. “I never expected to be in this position. When I started racing, I always dreamed of riding in the Tour de France, but winning it twice so early in my career is beyond what I could have imagined. It’s not just me—cycling is a team sport, and I have a great support system that believes in me. Without them, none of this would have been possible.”
Breaking Records and Shattering Expectations
Throughout his career, Pogačar has not only won major races, but he’s done so with style. His approach to stage racing, particularly in the Tour de France, has been defined by fearless attacks and calculated moves. He’s consistently broken records, including becoming the youngest rider to win a monument classic, securing multiple stage victories in the Tour de France, and holding the title of the youngest rider ever to win both the Tour and the Vuelta a España.
In 2023, Pogačar achieved another feat that few cyclists have even come close to matching: he broke the record for the most days spent in the lead of the Tour de France, surpassing the legendary Eddy Merckx. This record-breaking feat is a testament to Pogačar’s dominance over the race and his ability to sustain high-level performances across the 21 grueling stages of the Tour. In fact, it was clear that his continued excellence in cycling wasn’t simply due to physical strength but an astute tactical mind that knows when to attack, when to defend, and how to manage the pressure of leading the race for so long.
“I always push myself to be better,” Pogačar explained during our interview. “Records are exciting, but I don’t focus on them. For me, the most important thing is giving my best effort and making the race exciting for the fans. There is always room for improvement. Even after everything I’ve accomplished, I know I can still get stronger, both physically and mentally.”
The Mental Game: How Pogačar Keeps Calm Under Pressure
Cycling is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and Pogačar’s ability to maintain his composure under pressure is one of the key factors that sets him apart from his peers. Whether he’s facing the challenges of a high-mountain stage or responding to an attack from his rivals in a sprint, Pogačar remains unfazed by the magnitude of the moment.
When asked how he keeps calm during the most intense moments of a race, Pogačar shared, “Cycling has taught me a lot about controlling my emotions. I’ve learned to stay calm when things get tough because you can’t control everything that happens in a race. What you can control is how you react. I always remind myself to focus on the present moment and not get ahead of myself. There’s a lot of pressure, but I know I have to stay focused on my own race, not what everyone else is doing.”
That mental fortitude has served him well, especially when things haven’t gone according to plan. In 2022, he faced some setbacks, including a battle with illness during the Tour de France, but Pogačar fought through adversity to finish strong, showing his resilience and determination to keep pushing forward no matter the circumstances.
The Future of Tadej Pogačar and Cycling
At only 24 years old, Pogačar’s future in the sport is incredibly bright. But what’s next for this young prodigy? Does he have any specific goals he’s still hoping to achieve? His response was candid: “I want to continue improving. There are still many races I want to win and many experiences I want to have. The classics, the Giro d’Italia, and the World Championships are all on my radar. But my main goal is to stay healthy, keep enjoying racing, and continue to build my legacy. I want to be remembered not just for the victories but for the way I approached the sport and the way I inspired the next generation.”
Cycling is evolving, and Pogačar is at the forefront of this transformation. With his innovative riding style, unique approach to training, and ability to break records seemingly every season, the cycling world is eager to see what the future holds for this Slovenian superstar.
A Global Inspiration
While Pogačar’s victories are a source of national pride for Slovenia, his influence has extended far beyond his home country. He is one of the most beloved figures in world cycling, admired for his humility, hard work, and dedication to the sport. His fan base spans the globe, with young cyclists looking up to him as a role model and inspiration.
“Cycling has given me so much, and I feel lucky to do something I love every day,” Pogačar said with a smile. “I hope my story can inspire others to follow their passion, work hard, and chase their dreams, no matter how difficult it might seem at times.”
Pogačar’s legacy is already written, but the next chapters are still unfolding. As long as he continues to race with the same tenacity and passion, there’s no telling how much more he will achieve. With the cycling world at his feet, the sky truly is the limit for this remarkable athlete.
Tadej Pogačar is undoubtedly one of the most exceptional cyclists of his generation. His career, though still in its early stages, has already been filled with accomplishments that most riders could only dream of achieving. As he continues to shatter records, break barriers, and rewrite history, there is no doubt that his place in the annals of cycling is firmly secured. The journey of Tadej Pogačar has only just begun, and if his passion and drive are any indication, the best is yet to come.