As of 2024, Tadej Pogačar stands as an unrivaled force in the world of cycling. The Slovenian prodigy has dominated the sport, claiming both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France this year, along with a staggering twelve stage victories. Pogačar is not just the star of the peloton; he is the undisputed leader of UAE Team Emirates and one of the most recognizable figures in the sport. Yet, despite his remarkable success, Pogačar finds himself grappling with an uncomfortable reality: the financial rewards that accompany his achievements.
Pogačar’s rise to the pinnacle of cycling has been nothing short of extraordinary. At just 25 years old, he has already etched his name among the sport’s all-time greats. However, with this success comes a level of wealth that Pogačar never anticipated. As one of the highest-paid athletes in cycling, Pogačar is acutely aware of the disparity between his earnings and those of others in the sport, let alone those outside it.
Five weeks ago, just before the start of the Tour de France, Pogačar took a significant step to address this unease. He launched the Tadej Pogačar Foundation, a charitable platform designed to raise funds for various causes. Through this foundation, Pogačar aims to channel his financial success into meaningful contributions that can help those in need. For the first time, he has spoken publicly about this initiative, using the foundation’s Instagram page as a platform to share his motivations.
In a heartfelt message, Pogačar opened up about his feelings regarding the wealth he has accumulated through his career. “It’s no secret that I’ve made a lot of money from cycling in the last few years,” he began. “When I was younger, I never imagined I would be so fortunate.” Despite this success, Pogačar admitted that he feels uneasy about the vast sums he now commands. For him, financial gain was never the primary goal of his cycling career.
“I honestly don’t feel the most comfortable with this money,” Pogačar confessed. “I know how people who struggle and who need help feel. My family always taught me to share my happiness and to help people in need. These values are close to me. My great desire is to help.”
Pogačar’s words highlight a deep sense of responsibility that has come with his success. While many athletes revel in the financial fruits of their labor, Pogačar’s focus seems to be on how he can use his position to make a positive impact on the world around him.
The Tadej Pogačar Foundation is more than just a charitable organization; it is a reflection of the values that have guided Pogačar throughout his life. The foundation’s first major project is aimed at helping those affected by the devastating floods that struck Slovenia in the summer of 2023. For Pogačar, this initiative hits close to home, as it addresses a crisis that has affected his compatriots.
Through this and future projects, Pogačar hopes to use his platform to bring attention to various social issues and to inspire others in the cycling community to give back. The foundation serves as a testament to Pogačar’s belief that true success is measured not by wealth or accolades but by the positive impact one can have on the lives of others.
Tadej Pogačar’s discomfort with his wealth is a rare sentiment in the world of elite sports, where financial success is often celebrated as the ultimate goal. His decision to establish a foundation and his commitment to using his earnings for the greater good demonstrate a maturity and sense of purpose that go beyond his years. As Pogačar continues to dominate the cycling world, he is also setting an example off the bike, showing that the true measure of a champion lies in their willingness to uplift others.
In an era where athletes are often idolized for their achievements, Pogačar’s story serves as a reminder that the greatest victories are not always won on the road but in the hearts of those we choose to help. As he continues to build his legacy, Pogačar is proving that even in the competitive world of professional cycling, there is room for compassion, generosity, and the desire to share happiness with more people.
