In the world of professional cycling, few riders capture the public’s imagination quite like Tadej Pogacar. The 24-year-old Slovenian prodigy has already earned his place among the sport’s greatest, having secured two Tour de France titles and numerous other prestigious victories in his young career. His remarkable performances, both in Grand Tours and one-day classics, have garnered attention from all corners of the cycling world, and now, the admiration of one of Spain’s most iconic riders.

Carlos Sastre, the 2008 Tour de France champion, is known not only for his incredible accomplishments but also for his insightful perspective on cycling. Having raced against and with some of the sport’s finest athletes, including Lance Armstrong, Alberto Contador, and Cadel Evans, Sastre’s opinions carry weight in the cycling community. In a recent interview, he shared his admiration for Pogacar, offering unique insight into why the Slovenian’s aggressive racing style has captivated cycling fans and competitors alike.

“A New Type of Racer”

Carlos Sastre, now retired from professional racing, has had a front-row seat to the evolution of cycling, from the dominance of riders like Armstrong to the rise of modern champions such as Pogacar. In his analysis of the current cycling landscape, Sastre emphasized the change in tactics and mentality that riders like Pogacar bring to the table.

“Tadej’s style is very refreshing,” Sastre stated. “In the past, there was often an emphasis on conserving energy, pacing oneself, and riding with patience. Of course, that’s still important, but with Pogacar, there’s a sense that he races on instinct. When he sees an opportunity, he doesn’t wait around. He takes it. And that’s something that’s very different from the way many of us approached racing in the past.”

Pogacar’s fearless mentality has been evident throughout his career. Whether it’s attacking on a mountain stage in the Tour de France or launching a solo effort in a classic race, the Slovenian has shown an unwavering commitment to seizing the moment. This aggressive racing style is often juxtaposed against the more calculated approach that many professional cyclists adopt, where energy conservation and strategic positioning play key roles in securing victory.

Sastre went on to explain that while there’s always been a place in cycling for the bold, Pogacar has taken this approach to new heights. “He doesn’t give a damn about the distance,” Sastre said. “He’ll attack when others are waiting for a more obvious moment, even when the finish line is still far away. If he sees an opening, he goes for it without looking back.”

This mentality has not only earned Pogacar victories but has also made him a fan favorite. Cycling fans have been captivated by his youthful exuberance and willingness to take risks. Unlike some of his predecessors, who sometimes played the long game and relied on controlled aggression, Pogacar’s style is akin to that of a predator who strikes decisively when he sees weakness in his rivals.

The Power of Youthful Confidence

Pogacar’s success has often been attributed to his incredible talent, his near-perfect physical condition, and his exceptional technical skills. But, as Sastre pointed out, there is an element of mental fortitude and youthful confidence that distinguishes him from other riders. At 24 years old, Pogacar’s approach to racing reflects a fearless attitude that has been nurtured by his youth and the support of his strong UAE Team Emirates squad.

One of the defining aspects of Pogacar’s racing style is his refusal to be intimidated by the competition. This was most evident during his stunning debut in the 2020 Tour de France, where he upstaged seasoned contenders like Primoz Roglic and Geraint Thomas. After a stunning individual time trial performance on the penultimate stage of the race, Pogacar claimed the yellow jersey and went on to win his first Tour in dramatic fashion. This victory marked the beginning of a new era in the sport, one in which Pogacar would firmly establish himself as a rider willing to take risks to win.

For Sastre, it’s this unwavering self-belief that separates Pogacar from many of his peers. “He’s not afraid to go out and attack,” Sastre explained. “Even in situations where others might hesitate, he has the confidence to make his move. That’s a rare quality, especially in a sport where so much of the race comes down to the smallest of margins.”

Sastre pointed to Pogacar’s performance in the 2021 Tour de France as further evidence of his fearless mentality. Despite being targeted by rivals, including the likes of Richard Carapaz and Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar continued to assert his dominance, attacking relentlessly on the mountain stages and defending his position as the overall leader. His ability to perform under pressure, Sastre noted, is a testament to his mental toughness and the strength of his conviction.

A New Era of Aggressive Cycling

The philosophy behind Pogacar’s style represents a shift in the cycling world, one that emphasizes aggression over caution. Historically, the general classification battles in Grand Tours were often settled with careful pacing, strategic attacks, and a series of calculated efforts. The rider who could maintain the most consistent performance over three weeks was typically crowned the victor. However, Pogacar’s emergence has altered the script.

“He’s not just waiting for the final time trial or the last mountain stage,” Sastre said. “Tadej attacks at any given moment. He forces the pace. And what that does is it puts a lot of pressure on his rivals. They can’t afford to wait until later in the race to make a move. If they do, Pogacar is already gone.”

While many cyclists in the past may have held back in anticipation of a crucial moment to attack, Pogacar’s philosophy is to take the initiative and force the race in his favor. This aggressive approach has made the races more thrilling and unpredictable, as other riders are often left scrambling to respond to his attacks.

Pogacar’s combination of talent, fearlessness, and relentless aggression has earned him comparisons to some of the sport’s all-time greats. However, Sastre noted that Pogacar’s approach is unique to his generation. Unlike riders in previous decades, who were often more measured and conservative in their tactics, Pogacar races with the audacity of someone who has nothing to lose and everything to gain.

The Influence of UAE Team Emirates

Sastre also credited Pogacar’s success to the strong support system within UAE Team Emirates. The team, which has consistently provided Pogacar with the necessary resources and a talented roster of domestiques, has played an instrumental role in his rise to dominance. “It’s clear that the team is perfectly aligned with Pogacar’s philosophy,” Sastre observed. “They allow him to take the risks he wants, and they provide him with the backing to do so.”

This seamless collaboration between rider and team has allowed Pogacar to take his natural talents to the next level. With a team of riders willing to put themselves at the service of their leader, Pogacar can focus on what he does best—attacking and going for victory, regardless of the race’s distance or terrain.

The Future of Cycling

As Pogacar’s career continues to unfold, it’s clear that he is already shaping the future of cycling. His ability to race without hesitation, coupled with his youthful enthusiasm, has reinvigorated the sport and inspired a new generation of fans and riders alike. For Sastre, Pogacar’s impact goes beyond just his victories; it’s about how he’s changed the way cycling is perceived and raced.

“He’s bringing a new energy to the sport,” Sastre concluded. “He’s not afraid to take risks. He’s not afraid to go out there and race hard from the start. That’s the kind of attitude we need to see more of in cycling. It makes the sport more exciting, and it reminds us why we love watching it.”

Tadej Pogacar may still be young, but his fearless, aggressive style has already left an indelible mark on cycling. As the Slovenian continues to make his mark on the Grand Tours and other major races, one thing is certain: he will not be looking back anytime soon. And for fans of the sport, that’s exactly what makes him so captivating to watch.