Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, is taking some well-deserved time off as he looks ahead to his upcoming 2025 season. At just 26 years of age, Pogačar finds himself at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. Despite his youth, he is acutely aware that professional sports careers are often short-lived, particularly in demanding disciplines like road cycling.
The UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider recently made headlines for his impressive performance in the Tour de France, where he outmaneuvered notable competitors, including Jonas Vingegaard, to proudly don the yellow jersey. However, despite his triumphs, Pogačar recognizes the transitory nature of athletic success. “It may seem funny to most people that I’m already counting down to retirement, but the fact is that a sports career isn’t very long,” he remarked. His perspective reflects the reality that even the most talented athletes encounter seasons with fewer victories and challenges.
Pogačar’s achievements have come at a young age, creating a sense of urgency as he plans for the latter part of his career. He affirms, “I will probably ride a few more Tours. It’s the biggest race, and I doubt the team will leave me out for years to come.” This optimism, however, is mingled with a pragmatic acknowledgment of the inevitable decline that all athletes face. “On the one hand, I know that my sports career will not be long, but on the other hand, I am aware that I can enjoy the level I am at now for a few more years,” he explains.
With an inherent understanding of the cyclical nature of sports, Pogačar anticipates that there will come a time when his performance may not match his current success. “I expect that this level will drop at some point, and that there will be no more victories in the season than now, and that there will be a bad year at some point,” he stated. Such foresight underscores his dedication to making the most of his time as a competitive cyclist, embracing every moment on the bike while preparing for eventual transitions and retirements.
Amidst these reflections, Pogačar is strategically managing his race calendar. He has set his sights on the 2025 European Championships, which will occur in France between October 1-5. Keen to improve on his outcomes from 2021, where he finished fifth and twelfth, Pogačar is motivated to perform at an even higher level this time around. Before this prestigious event, he will compete in Canada, particularly at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Quebec and Montreal in September. Having secured victories in these races in previous years, his UAE team is determined to defend the title they won last season.
In addition to racing in Canada, Pogačar is prepping for the World Championships held in Rwanda. This packed schedule indicates a busy autumn for the Slovenian cyclist, following what he describes as one of the most challenging Tours of his career. “The Tour was really difficult, one of the hardest I’ve ridden, which can be confirmed by everyone who fought for the overall classification,” he shared. After completing the grueling race, he took a well-earned rest. “Now, two weeks after the end of the Tour, I have rested, reset myself, so we are now moving forward normally,” he added.
As he gears up for the upcoming races, Pogačar remains hopeful about his prospects. While he feels that Montreal could be a more favorable course for him, he expresses his intent to give his best in Quebec as well. He recognizes the potential of his teammates, such as Jhonatan Narvaez, who may also seek to shine in these events. Citing the European Championship’s climber-friendly course, he anticipates a strong competition and is gearing up for it, albeit recognizing the likelihood that it may limit his ability to participate in other prestigious Italian Classics apart from Lombardia.
To catch every moment of the cycling season, fans can stream it live on TNT Sports and discovery+, ensuring they won’t miss any of Pogačar’s thrilling rides. As he takes careful steps toward the future, Pogačar exemplifies the balance between ambition and acceptance, making the most of each moment while preparing for the future.
