Tadej Pogacar’s Remarkable Season: Pavel Sivakov Praises His UAE Emirates Teammate’s Dominance
In the world of professional cycling, few riders have achieved the level of consistent dominance that Tadej Pogacar has displayed in recent years. The 25-year-old Slovenian, riding for UAE Team Emirates, has solidified his status as one of the most formidable cyclists of his generation. Following a string of incredible performances throughout the 2024 season, Pogacar’s teammate, Pavel Sivakov, was effusive in his praise, describing the Slovenian as a rider who has “really put on a show” and cemented his place as one of the sport’s greats.
An ‘Incredible’ 2024 Season for Pogacar
Sivakov’s comments come in the wake of what can only be described as an incredible season for Pogacar. Despite already being a two-time Tour de France champion (2020 and 2021), Pogacar managed to elevate his game in 2024, with a series of breathtaking performances across both stage races and one-day classics. His versatility as a cyclist — able to conquer mountains, dominate time trials, and sprint with the best — was on full display throughout the year.
Pogacar’s season was filled with standout moments, including key victories in prestigious races like the Tour of Flanders, Il Lombardia, and another strong showing at the Tour de France, where he narrowly missed securing his third title. His consistency across the UCI World Tour calendar has left cycling pundits and fans in awe, as he continues to push the limits of what’s possible on a bike.
A Historic Victory at the Tour of Flanders
One of the key highlights of Pogacar’s 2024 season was his victory at the Tour of Flanders. The “Ronde van Vlaanderen” is one of cycling’s five Monuments, and it is a race typically dominated by the toughest cobbled classics specialists. Pogacar, traditionally known for his climbing abilities, demonstrated his remarkable versatility by conquering the challenging cobbled climbs and tactically outsmarting his rivals.
Sivakov, in his admiration, pointed out that Pogacar’s win in Flanders was particularly special. “Winning a Monument like Flanders is no easy feat for someone who’s more known for excelling in the mountains. But Tadej showed that he can adapt and take on any challenge,” Sivakov said. “He controlled the race beautifully, timed his attacks perfectly, and proved that he’s not just a grand tour rider but a complete cyclist.”
Pogacar’s victory in Flanders was historic, as he became one of the few riders in modern history to win both a Tour de France and the Tour of Flanders, further solidifying his place among cycling’s elite.
Tour de France: Narrowly Missing a Third Title
Although Pogacar didn’t claim the yellow jersey in 2024, his performance at the Tour de France was nothing short of spectacular. Entering the race as one of the favorites, Pogacar faced stiff competition from reigning champion Jonas Vingegaard. The two riders continued their fierce rivalry from previous years, pushing each other to their limits on the punishing mountain stages and time trials.
Pogacar’s resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity were on full display during the Tour. Despite suffering a few setbacks, including a crash and mechanical issues, he kept the pressure on Vingegaard, never allowing the race to slip too far out of reach. His audacious attack on Stage 17, where he climbed solo to victory on the Col de la Loze, was one of the most memorable moments of the entire race.
Sivakov noted that Pogacar’s never-give-up attitude has become one of his defining characteristics. “Even when things aren’t going his way, Tadej never stops fighting. That’s what makes him such a champion. He’s always in it until the very end,” Sivakov said. “He may not have won the Tour this year, but he showed again that he’s one of the best riders of his generation.”
Classic Domination: Il Lombardia Triumph
Another feather in Pogacar’s cap this season was his victory at Il Lombardia, the final Monument of the cycling calendar. Known as the “Race of the Falling Leaves,” Il Lombardia is a grueling one-day race that suits climbers, with its punishing ascents and descents in the Lombardy region of Italy.
Pogacar’s performance in Il Lombardia was dominant from start to finish. He attacked on the steep climbs, distancing his rivals with ease and showcasing his elite climbing abilities. His solo ride to victory was a masterclass in tactical racing, and it was the third time in his career that he won the prestigious race.
“Il Lombardia is one of those races where you need to be not only physically strong but also mentally sharp,” Sivakov said. “Tadej knows how to read the race, and his ability to pick the perfect moment to attack is something that sets him apart. Watching him win Il Lombardia for the third time just proves how complete of a rider he is.”
Leadership and Team Dynamics
While Pogacar’s individual achievements have been astounding, his relationship with his teammates at UAE Team Emirates has also been a key factor in his success. Pogacar is not just a superstar; he’s also a team player who values the contributions of those around him.
Sivakov spoke highly of Pogacar’s leadership within the team, emphasizing that his success comes from a place of humility and respect for his fellow riders. “Tadej is a leader, but he’s also one of the most humble guys in the peloton. He never takes his teammates for granted and always acknowledges the work we do for him. That’s one of the reasons why we all give 110% when we’re racing for him.”
Sivakov himself, who joined UAE Team Emirates in 2024, has been an invaluable asset to the team. As a strong climber and domestique, he has been instrumental in supporting Pogacar in both stage races and the classics. The dynamic between the two riders has been crucial to UAE Team Emirates’ success this season, with Sivakov praising Pogacar’s ability to inspire and motivate the team.
“Tadej’s work ethic is contagious,” Sivakov said. “When you see him pushing himself to the limit, it makes you want to dig deeper and go beyond your own limits to help him win. That’s what makes our team so strong — we’re all working together for the same goal, and Tadej leads by example.”
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Pogacar?
With such a successful 2024 season behind him, the question now is: What’s next for Tadej Pogacar? At just 25 years old, he still has many years of racing ahead, and his hunger for success shows no signs of waning. Pogacar has already expressed his desire to continue targeting both grand tours and one-day races, with the aim of adding more titles to his already impressive palmarès.
Sivakov believes that Pogacar has the potential to achieve even more greatness in the coming years. “Tadej is still young, and I think we’ve only seen the beginning of what he’s capable of,” Sivakov said. “He has the talent, the determination, and the mindset to continue winning at the highest level for many years. I’m excited to see what he’ll achieve next, and I’m proud to be part of his journey.”
Tadej Pogacar’s 2024 season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with victories in the Tour of Flanders, Il Lombardia, and a near miss at the Tour de France. His performances have solidified his place as one of the greatest cyclists of his generation, and his teammate Pavel Sivakov’s glowing praise reflects the admiration Pogacar has earned from both his peers and fans around the world.
As the cycling world looks ahead to 2025, there’s no doubt that Pogacar will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. Whether it’s dominating in the mountains, sprinting to victory in the classics, or leading UAE Team Emirates to more success, Tadej Pogacar’s journey is far from over, and the world will be watching as he continues to make history.
