After officially retiring from professional cycling last month, Peter Sagan, the three-time World Champion and one of the most electrifying figures in modern cycling, sat down for an exclusive interview with road.cc. Sagan, who has captivated fans worldwide with his extraordinary talent and showmanship, shared his thoughts on his storied career, the pressures he faced, and his views on the evolving dynamics within the peloton.
At the close of June, a major chapter in cycling history came to an end as Peter Sagan crossed the finish line of his last road race. The 34-year-old Slovakian, riding for the Pierre Baguette team, completed the final stage of the Tour of Slovakia—his home race—in 85th place. Just weeks later, he concluded his illustrious 14-year career with a second-place finish in the Slovakian national mountain bike championships. This marked the end of an era, as Sagan, who once dominated the cycling scene with his fearless and flamboyant style, bid farewell to professional racing.
Looking back, Sagan’s career is nothing short of remarkable. Bursting onto the scene at the tender age of 20, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with, earning 121 professional victories over 14 years. His accolades include three consecutive World Championship titles (a record in itself), seven Tour de France green jerseys (another record), 12 Tour de France stage wins, and victories in prestigious races such as Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. But beyond these achievements, it was Sagan’s unique style and personality that left an indelible mark on the sport.
From his daring long-range attacks and powerful uphill sprints to his iconic wheelies and viral stunts, Sagan was more than just a cyclist—he was a showman who transcended the sport. His presence in the peloton was magnetic, drawing the attention of fans, pundits, and rivals alike. Whether he was signing autographs mid-race, starring in humorous videos, or delivering memorable post-victory quips, Sagan’s charisma was undeniable.
Reflecting on his career, Sagan acknowledges the inevitable decline that comes with age. His final years with Bora-Hansgrohe and TotalEnergies saw a reduction in his once-dominant form, but his legacy remained intact. “The Sagan era,” as many have called it, may have ended, but the impact he had on the sport is undeniable.
Sagan’s decision to retire was not without challenges. Health issues, including a tachycardic episode and two heart procedures earlier this year, thwarted his final Olympic dream in mountain biking. Despite these setbacks, Sagan remains optimistic about his future, particularly his continued involvement in off-road racing. “I will continue to enjoy myself on mountain bikes, without aiming for top-level competition,” he shares.
As he transitions to life after professional cycling, Sagan reflects on the changes he has witnessed in the sport over the past 14 years. He notes a “loss of respect” within the peloton, a sentiment that may resonate with long-time fans and observers. However, he leaves it up to others to decide whether these changes have been for better or worse.
When asked about the influx of young talent in the sport, Sagan is quick to praise riders like Remco Evenepoel and Juan Ayuso. He refrains from offering advice, noting that while his career was successful, it was relatively short. “I had many enjoyable moments, even beyond the victories,” he says, but stops short of positioning himself as a mentor to the next generation.
Looking back, Sagan ranks his three World Championship victories as the highlights of his career, second only to the birth of his son, Marlon. He expresses no regrets, attributing his contentment to always giving his best effort in every race and learning from both victories and defeats.
As for the pressures he faced throughout his career, particularly during his time with Tinkoff-Saxo under the notoriously demanding Oleg Tinkov, Sagan credits his team for helping him manage the expectations. “Fortunately, I never considered pressure to be a big adversary of mine,” he remarks, highlighting the support he received from his agent and press officer.
Sagan’s all-around abilities often placed a target on his back, with rivals sometimes refusing to cooperate with him in breakaways. Despite this, Sagan remained focused on his goals, always striving to achieve the best possible result. “In the peloton, all riders do what they consider to be their best to achieve their goals,” he reflects.
As the cycling world moves into a new era, with riders like Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogačar, and Jonas Vingegaard leading the charge, Sagan is content with the legacy he leaves behind. He expresses happiness at the current state of the sport, where versatile riders can excel across various terrains and disciplines.
Now, as he embarks on new endeavors, including a partnership with MyWhoosh, Sagan remains true to himself. Despite the fame and success, he insists, “It has always been the same Peter Sagan.” And while his racing days may be over, his influence on the sport will be felt for years to come.
