Tadej Pogačar Speaks out Boldly concerning his interest in Cycling….
When Tadej Pogačar crossed the finish line at the top of Col de la Couillole, arms outstretched and chest thumping in triumph, it marked a thrilling comeback for the Slovenian star. Pogačar surged ahead of his great rival Jonas Vingegaard, solidifying his position at the pinnacle of cycling.
Although Pogačar didn’t need to win the penultimate stage of the 2024 Tour de France to claim his third yellow jersey, his victory underlined the dominance he displayed throughout the race. Over the past three weeks, the 25-year-old from Slovenia proved once again why he’s one of the sport’s most formidable forces.
This year’s Tour de France victory wasn’t Pogačar’s only major achievement. Prior to the Tour, he claimed his first-ever Giro d’Italia title, becoming the first cyclist to win both the Giro and the Tour de France in the same year since Marco Pantani achieved the feat in 1998. Only eight riders in history have accomplished this rare double, cementing Pogačar’s place among the sport’s elite.
“When I was younger, I never thought I could win a stage in the Tour de France,” Pogačar shared with CNN Sport. “After winning my first Tour, everything after that has been a bonus. I’m racing to have fun, not out of obligation.”
Pogačar’s meteoric rise began in 2020 when he became the youngest cyclist to win the Tour de France in the post-World War II era. He stunned the world by overtaking fellow Slovenian Primož Roglič in a dramatic penultimate stage. A year later, Pogačar claimed his second consecutive Tour title, further establishing himself as a dominant force in the sport.
However, Denmark’s Jonas Vingegaard soon emerged as a worthy adversary, defeating Pogačar twice in the Tour de France in 2022 and 2023. The rivalry between the two cyclists has become one of the fiercest in recent memory, and this year’s Tour was Pogačar’s chance to strike back. In stunning fashion, he won six stages, five of which were in the mountains, leaving Vingegaard, who was recovering from a severe crash earlier in the year, to fight in vain.
With three yellow jerseys to his name, Pogačar is edging closer to cycling’s all-time record of five, held by legends like Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Miguel Indurain. However, the Slovenian downplays such comparisons. “I don’t like to talk about breaking records,” he said. “I have maybe 10 more years in my career, and the odds are pretty good to reach five Tours de France, but that’s not the goal I want.”
Instead, Pogačar is focused on specific goals and individual races. His versatility has allowed him to excel across a variety of terrains, from grand tours to one-day classics. He aims to win all five of cycling’s prestigious monuments—currently missing victories in Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix—and is eyeing a win in the Vuelta a España, which would make him one of only eight male cyclists to win all three Grand Tours.
Pogačar also has his sights set on the world road race championships, which will be held later this month in Zürich. No Slovenian has ever won the title, and Pogačar hopes to make history with a victory. After finishing third last year, he’s eager to wear the famous rainbow jersey in the coming season.
Reflecting on his success, Pogačar remains grounded and appreciative of the support from his fans. His return to Slovenia after this year’s Tour was met with jubilant celebrations in both the capital, Ljubljana, and his hometown of Komenda. “It was unbelievable,” he said. “So many people came to my hometown to celebrate. We have great fans in Slovenia, and I’m so grateful for their support.”
Despite his remarkable talent and success, Pogačar refuses to compare himself to cycling’s greatest, including Eddy Merckx. “It’s flattering, but at the same time, it can be annoying because I want to be me and make my own history.”
As Pogačar continues his career, his rivalry with Vingegaard is expected to intensify, and his assault on the record books will likely continue. But for now, the Slovenian star is focused on enjoying the ride and adding to his already extraordinary legacy.
