Tadej Pogačar Looks Fresh as Hell in His New Rainbow Jersey—But He’s Not a Fan of It
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy, has become a household name with his impressive performances in the peloton, captivating fans with his relentless style and undying determination. The two-time Tour de France winner has a trophy case brimming with victories that attest to his rare talent and versatility. His most recent achievement, securing the coveted rainbow jersey as the UCI Road World Champion, adds yet another feather to his cap. While many riders would be thrilled to don the iconic rainbow stripes, Pogačar’s reaction to the jersey has been unexpectedly ambivalent.
The rainbow jersey is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious garments in the world of cycling. Worn by the reigning world champion, it symbolizes excellence, hard work, and a legacy etched in the history of the sport. For many, it’s the ultimate dream—one that countless riders aspire to wear at least once in their careers. Winning the UCI Road World Championship catapults a rider into a pantheon of cycling legends, joining the likes of Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Peter Sagan.
But for Tadej Pogačar, his relationship with this cherished jersey seems a little more complicated.
Despite looking undeniably sharp in the rainbow jersey, Pogačar hasn’t been shy about expressing his reservations about it. Known for his candid nature and grounded personality, Pogačar recently admitted in interviews that, while the jersey may be visually striking and holds immense prestige, it’s not quite to his liking. To the surprise of many fans, the young Slovenian champion mentioned that the jersey feels heavy—not in a literal sense but in terms of its symbolic burden.
“I don’t really like it, to be honest,” Pogačar said during a recent interview after winning the world title. “The rainbow stripes are beautiful, but they come with expectations that are hard to meet. Every race, every ride, you’re expected to be perfect, and that’s a lot to carry.”
While many athletes embrace the pressure that comes with wearing the rainbow stripes, Pogačar’s honest take highlights his humility. He sees the jersey as more than just a piece of clothing; it’s a representation of the immense responsibility that now rests on his shoulders.
Pogačar’s reluctance to fully embrace the rainbow jersey sheds light on the psychological toll that success can have on even the most successful athletes. For a rider who has already achieved so much at such a young age, Pogačar understands the weight of expectations that accompany the jersey. His performances are scrutinized more closely than ever, and each race brings heightened pressure to deliver.
The rainbow jersey, while a badge of honor, can become a double-edged sword. Riders are not only marked by fans but by their competitors as well. Every time Pogačar lines up for a race, he becomes the prime target. The jersey makes him a marked man, forcing him to defend it against a peloton full of riders eager to topple the reigning world champion.
“Everyone is watching you more closely. They expect you to win, no matter the circumstances. That’s a hard position to be in because no one wins every time,” Pogačar explained. “I love racing, but the jersey can make it less fun, like you’re constantly under a microscope.”
While Pogačar may not love the jersey itself, there’s no denying that he looks fantastic in it. The iconic rainbow stripes—symbolizing the global nature of the sport—are a perfect match for the Slovenian’s sleek and polished racing style. Whether climbing the steepest of mountains or powering through a time trial, Pogačar’s elegance on the bike is accentuated by the bright and bold design of the jersey.
Fans have been quick to comment on how “fresh” and stylish Pogačar looks in the rainbow colors, with social media flooded with praise for his new look. The rainbow jersey, paired with his sharp riding form, has cemented Pogačar’s place as one of the most fashionable figures in cycling. Yet, behind the well-dressed champion is a rider who feels the weight of his own success.
Despite his concerns about the pressure the jersey brings, Pogačar remains laser-focused on his primary passion: racing. He has always been a rider who lets his legs do the talking, and that hasn’t changed. Whether he’s wearing the yellow jersey at the Tour de France or the rainbow stripes at the World Championships, Pogačar’s motivation comes from the thrill of competition rather than the accolades.
The Slovenian is quick to point out that, while the jersey may not be his favorite, it won’t stop him from giving his best in every race. “At the end of the day, it’s just a jersey,” Pogačar said. “What matters is what you do on the bike, not what you’re wearing.”
As Pogačar embarks on the next phase of his career in the rainbow jersey, there’s no doubt that he’ll continue to push the limits of what’s possible. His reluctance to embrace the jersey fully might make him a different kind of world champion—one who is focused more on the journey than the destination. While he may not love the jersey, Pogačar’s love for cycling remains undiminished.
For the fans, Pogačar’s unique stance only adds to his allure. He’s not a rider driven by fame or appearances but by a pure love for the sport. His honesty about the pressures of being a world champion humanizes him in a way that few other athletes are willing to express. It’s a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes feel the strain of their success.
In the end, while Tadej Pogačar may not like the rainbow jersey, the world of cycling loves seeing him in it. His fresh look, paired with his relentless drive, makes him one of the most exciting athletes to watch in the coming years.
