Pogacar’s Agent: A Man on a Mission to Conquer Every Race
In the world of professional cycling, few figures are as enigmatic and influential behind the scenes as Alex Carera, the agent of Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar. While Pogačar’s extraordinary talents have earned him two Tour de France victories and a string of other significant wins, Carera has quietly masterminded much of his success. Carera’s vision extends beyond merely securing victories in the most prestigious races; he harbors an audacious dream that borders on the impossible: to win every single race on the professional cycling calendar.
Alex Carera is nostranger to the world of cycling. He has been involved in the sport for decades, initially as a cyclist himself and then as a manager and agent. His experience has given him a deep understanding of the sport’s nuances, the challenges riders face, and what it takes to win at the highest level. This experience has fueled his belief that Tadej Pogačar, one of the most talented riders of his generation, could potentially achieve what no cyclist before him has — to be victorious in every major race across the calendar.
“Why not dream big?” Carera often says. “If you have an athlete like Tadej, who has both the talent and the drive, you have to think outside the box. Cycling is a sport that respects tradition but thrives on pushing boundaries. Winning every race is not just about physical endurance and skill; it’s about strategy, planning, and having the right mindset.”
Pogačar’s meteoric rise to the top of professional cycling was anything but ordinary. When he won the 2020 Tour de France at the age of 21, he became the second-youngest winner of the race in history. He followed that with another Tour win in 2021, along with numerous other victories, including Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders. Pogačar’s versatility as a rider is unprecedented; he excels in stage races, one-day classics, and time trials alike. This versatility is what makes Carera’s dream seem almost plausible.
According to Carera, the strategy for achieving this dream involves careful planning and selective participation. “We’re not going to chase every race in every season,” he explains. “That would be unsustainable. Instead, we’re focusing on the long game. It’s about building a legacy over several years, making sure Tadej peaks at the right times and stays healthy and motivated.”
Of course, the idea of winning every race on the calendar is not without its challenges. Cycling is a grueling sport that tests the limits of human endurance and resilience. Riders face different terrains, weather conditions, and competition levels throughout the season. Moreover, the risk of injury and fatigue is ever-present.
Carera acknowledges these challenges but remains optimistic. “We know the risks. Cycling is unpredictable — crashes, injuries, bad days happen. But we believe in meticulous preparation and adaptability. If Tadej can stay fit and focused, there’s no reason we can’t aim for this.”
One of the biggest challenges is the diversity of the races themselves. From the cobbled classics of Paris-Roubaix to the high mountain passes of the Giro d’Italia, each race presents unique demands. Pogačar has already proven his ability to perform across different terrains, but maintaining that level across an entire calendar year would be a herculean task.
Achieving such a lofty goal requires not just an exceptional rider but also a strong support system. Team UAE Emirates, Pogačar’s current team, plays a crucial role in this regard. The team has invested heavily in building a roster and infrastructure that can support Pogačar’s ambitions. With a mix of experienced riders and young talents, the team provides the depth needed to support a bid for victory across various races.
Joxean Matxin, the team’s principal, shares Carera’s vision. “We’re in the business of winning,” Matxin says. “Having a rider like Tadej, who can compete in any race, allows us to think differently about our approach to the season. It’s not just about winning the Tour de France or the Vuelta a España; it’s about seeing how far we can push the limits of what’s possible in this sport.”
While Carera’s dream might seem overly ambitious to some, it is rooted in a deep belief in Pogačar’s abilities and a desire to push the boundaries of what a professional cyclist can achieve. As Pogačar continues to evolve and mature as a rider, the coming years will likely see him attempt to conquer races that have eluded him thus far.
“We’re not saying it will happen overnight,” Carera notes. “This is a long-term project, and we’re prepared for the ups and downs. What’s important is that we’re not afraid to dream big. Cycling is a sport of passion, and we want to inspire fans and future generations of cyclists by showing what’s possible.”
For Tadej Pogačar, the journey is just as important as the destination. As he navigates his career with Carera by his side, the dream of winning every race on the calendar serves as a guiding star — a bold, almost impossible vision that, if achieved, would redefine what it means to be a champion in the world of cycling.
