Tadej Pogacar, soon to celebrate his 26th birthday, remains a powerhouse in cycling despite what some might call “aging” by today’s standards. After clinching both his first Giro d’Italia and his third Tour de France this year, Pogacar is showing no signs of slowing down. Fans and analysts alike are eager to speculate on his future achievements, but Pogacar himself is more concerned with his immediate goals rather than potential records.
In a recent interview with CNN Sport, Pogacar expressed his reluctance to focus on future milestones. While many view him as a strong contender to win five Tour de France titles, Pogacar prefers to stay grounded. “I don’t like to talk about future possibilities or potential records,” he said. Despite acknowledging that the odds are favorable for such achievements given his current trajectory and the possibility of a long career, his primary focus remains on the present. “For now, I’ve won three Tours, and I have many more races ahead of me this year. My goal is not solely to chase records but to enjoy and excel in each race.”
Among Pogacar’s competitors, Jonas Vingegaard stands out as a significant rival. Vingegaard, who won the Tour de France in 2022 and 2023, arrived in less-than-ideal condition this year due to a serious crash in the spring. Despite this setback, Vingegaard still managed to challenge Pogacar, fueling Pogacar’s motivation for future encounters. Pogacar appreciates the competitive spirit among top riders and looks forward to the ongoing rivalry. “Competing with the best riders drives us all to push beyond our limits. We have a good rapport off the bike, but once the race starts, everyone wants to outdo each other,” Pogacar noted.
Comparisons between Pogacar and cycling legend Eddy Merckx often arise due to Pogacar’s impressive versatility and success across various race profiles. However, Pogacar is cautious about these comparisons. “While being compared to Eddy Merckx is flattering, it’s also a bit annoying,” he admitted. “I respect his achievements, but I want to focus on building my own legacy and not live in the shadow of someone else’s accomplishments.”
As Pogacar continues to make headlines with his exceptional performances, his mindset remains clear. His approach emphasizes the importance of setting personal goals and enjoying the journey rather than being solely driven by the pursuit of records. This focus on the present and the excitement of ongoing competition is what keeps him motivated and at the top of his game.