Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy who has taken the world by storm with his back-to-back Tour de France victories, is often portrayed as the quintessential success story. A young man who ascended to the pinnacle of his sport with apparent ease, Pogačar’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. But beneath the surface of triumph lies a more complex narrative—one that includes moments of reflection, introspection, and regret.
In a candid interview, Pogačar recently opened up about his childhood and the journey that has led him to the very top of professional cycling. Despite his many accomplishments, the 25-year-old star revealed that he harbors certain regrets about his formative years. “I am forever grateful for everything I’ve achieved, but my greatest regret is…” Pogačar began, trailing off as he gathered his thoughts.
From an early age, it was clear that Pogačar was destined for greatness. His natural talent on the bike was undeniable, and he quickly became the pride of Slovenia’s burgeoning cycling community. But with that talent came pressure—pressure to perform, to win, to live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him.
Pogačar’s early years were marked by a relentless pursuit of success. Training sessions were grueling, competitions were fierce, and the young cyclist often found himself sacrificing the typical experiences of childhood in the name of ambition. “I missed out on a lot,” Pogačar admitted. “While other kids were playing, going to parties, or just being teenagers, I was focused on my next race, my next goal. At the time, I didn’t think much of it, but looking back, I realize how much I gave up.”
For Pogačar, the road to becoming a world-class athlete was paved with sacrifices—some of which he now questions. “I regret not spending more time with my family and friends. I was so focused on cycling that I often neglected the people who mattered most,” he confessed. “There were moments when I wanted to quit, to just be a normal kid, but I pushed through because I knew what I wanted to achieve.”
His single-minded dedication paid off, of course, culminating in his historic Tour de France victories. Yet, those triumphs came at a personal cost. “I don’t regret pursuing my dreams, but I do regret the times I wasn’t there for the people I love,” Pogačar reflected. “Cycling has given me so much, but it also took away things that I can never get back.”
As he continues to navigate his career, Pogačar has become increasingly aware of the need for balance—a balance between his professional ambitions and his personal life. “I’m learning to make more time for myself and for the people around me,” he said. “Cycling will always be a huge part of my life, but I don’t want it to be the only part.”
Pogačar’s reflections serve as a poignant reminder that even those who achieve great success are not immune to the pangs of regret. His story underscores the importance of maintaining perspective, even in the face of overwhelming ambition.
“I am incredibly grateful for everything—my career, my fans, my team,” Pogačar reiterated. “But if I could go back, I would tell my younger self to enjoy the moments outside of cycling a little more. Life is more than just winning; it’s about the connections you make, the memories you create with others. That’s something I’m trying to focus on now.”
As Tadej Pogačar continues to carve out his legacy in the world of cycling, his reflections on his past offer valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and fans alike. While his achievements on the bike are nothing short of extraordinary, his willingness to acknowledge his regrets shows a maturity beyond his years. It’s a reminder that even in the pursuit of greatness, it’s essential to cherish the simple, irreplaceable moments of life.
“I have no doubt that I’ll continue to push myself in cycling,” Pogačar concluded, “but I’ll also make sure to enjoy the ride—and to never lose sight of what truly matters.”
