Tadej Pogačar: ‘I’m always interested in statistics and records, just not mine
Tadej Pogačar has become one of the most iconic figures in modern cycling. At just 25, he has already won the Tour de France twice (in 2020 and 2021) and finished second twice (in 2022 and 2023), establishing himself as a generational talent. His climb to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric, but behind this rise is a rider who humbly deflects attention from his achievements. Pogačar, a rider known for his attacking spirit and resilience, is not driven by his own statistics or records. Instead, he remains grounded, focusing more on the sport itself and its rich history than on his personal milestones.
Pogačar’s comment, “I’m always interested in statistics and records, just not mine,” sums up his humble approach to cycling. In an era where athletes are often hyper-aware of their personal stats and accolades, Pogačar stands out for his detachment from these numbers. It’s not that he’s unaware of his achievements — his victories are well-documented, after all — but rather that he doesn’t let them define him. For Pogačar, cycling is about much more than just winning; it’s about passion, camaraderie, and the challenge of competing against the best.
This humility can be traced back to his early days in Komenda, Slovenia. Pogačar grew up riding in the mountains of his homeland, surrounded by nature and with little concern for fame or glory. His love for cycling came from the joy of the ride, not the pursuit of accolades. Even as his career took off and the world began to take notice of his extraordinary talent, Pogačar remained the same rider at heart, focused on the essence of the sport.
Pogačar burst onto the professional scene in 2019 with UAE Team Emirates, quickly making his mark with his overall win at the Tour of California and a third-place finish in his first Grand Tour, the Vuelta a España. But it was in 2020, in a pandemic-shortened season, that he cemented his place among the sport’s elite. His stunning victory in the Tour de France at just 21 years old made him the youngest winner in over a century.
Pogačar’s 2020 Tour de France win was remarkable not only for his age but also for the manner in which he achieved it. In a dramatic time trial on the penultimate stage, he overturned a 57-second deficit to his compatriot Primož Roglič, a feat that stunned the cycling world. It was a victory that showcased not just his physical prowess but also his mental fortitude and tactical intelligence.
Yet even after this historic win, Pogačar remained grounded. While the media buzzed about his potential to dominate the sport for years to come, Pogačar seemed more interested in savoring the moment than in projecting into the future. He didn’t dwell on the records he had broken or the ones he could break. Instead, he remained focused on the simple joys of cycling and the love of competition.
While Pogačar may not be focused on his own records, he is a student of the sport. He has often expressed his fascination with the history of cycling and the great champions who came before him. Pogačar has a genuine curiosity about the sport’s legends, from Eddy Merckx to Bernard Hinault, and enjoys learning about their achievements. He is the kind of athlete who, while not seeking personal glory, holds a deep respect for the records and accomplishments that define cycling’s rich history.
This curiosity extends to the statistics and performances of his peers as well. Pogačar has admitted that he keeps a close eye on the performances of other riders, analyzing their tactics, strengths, and weaknesses. He enjoys studying the data, but in typical Pogačar fashion, it’s less about comparison and more about understanding the sport as a whole. His analytical mind is one of the reasons why he has been so successful, able to adapt to different race situations and opponents.
While Pogačar may downplay his own statistics, his competitive nature is undeniable. He is known for his aggressive racing style, often attacking when least expected. Whether in the mountains, on the cobbles, or in a time trial, Pogačar has proven time and again that he is willing to take risks to win. His boldness has earned him a reputation as one of the most exciting riders in the peloton, always ready to animate a race.
In the 2023 Tour de France, despite suffering from a wrist injury earlier in the season, Pogačar fought fiercely against Jonas Vingegaard. The battle between the two riders was one of the most intense in recent memory, with Pogačar eventually finishing second. Even in defeat, his resilience and determination shone through. It was clear that for Pogačar, the race wasn’t just about winning or losing — it was about pushing himself to the limit and giving everything he had.
Pogačar’s approach to cycling is refreshing in a sport that can sometimes become overly focused on numbers, power outputs, and marginal gains. His disinterest in his own statistics and records speaks to a deeper philosophy about the sport. For Pogačar, cycling is about more than just data — it’s about emotion, passion, and the unpredictable nature of competition. He rides with a joy that is palpable, and it’s this infectious enthusiasm that has endeared him to fans around the world.
That’s not to say Pogačar doesn’t understand the significance of what he’s accomplished. He is well aware that he is among the most successful riders of his generation, and he takes pride in representing his country and his team at the highest level. But for Pogačar, the thrill of the ride will always outweigh the pressure of the record book. He is driven by the love of the sport, not by the need to cement his legacy.
As Pogačar looks to the future, there is no doubt that he will continue to be a dominant force in cycling. His talent, versatility, and competitive spirit make him a perennial favorite in any race he enters. Yet even as he continues to rack up wins and podium finishes, Pogačar will likely remain as grounded as ever. His focus will stay on the present, on enjoying the ride, and on competing with the same passion that has always defined his career.
In a sport that is often measured by numbers, Pogačar stands out for his ability to transcend them. He may not be interested in his own statistics and records, but that hasn’t stopped him from becoming one of the greatest cyclists of his generation. His humility, combined with his relentless drive, makes him a unique and inspiring figure in the world of sports. And while the cycling world will undoubtedly keep track of his every accomplishment, Pogačar will keep doing what he does best: racing with heart, soul, and an unwavering love for the sport.
