‘Tadej Was Unlike Any Cyclist I’d Ever Seen’ – Super-Agent Alex Carera Reveals What Sets Pogacar Apart
In the world of professional cycling, few athletes have captured the imagination of fans, pundits, and competitors quite like Tadej Pogačar. The Slovenian wunderkind has emerged as one of the sport’s brightest stars, with back-to-back Tour de France victories and numerous prestigious race wins to his name. What sets him apart from other cyclists, however, is not just his raw talent, but his remarkable mindset, work ethic, and ability to thrive under pressure.
Super-agent Alex Carera, a key figure behind Pogačar’s meteoric rise to prominence, has spent years working with the 25-year-old prodigy. In a rare and candid interview, Carera opens up about the unique qualities that make Pogačar so special, providing insights into his personality, preparation, and mental toughness. This deep dive into Pogačar’s world offers a fascinating look into what has made him one of the most dominant figures in cycling today.
When Carera first encountered Tadej Pogačar, he was immediately struck by the young rider’s potential. “From the very first time I saw him race, I immediately saw that Tadej was different from other cyclists,” Carera recalls. “There’s something unique about him. It’s not just his physical attributes, but the way he approaches racing and the mental strength he carries with him.”
Pogačar’s talent wasn’t something that appeared overnight, though. He had been showing promise for years, but it was his breakthrough performances that solidified his status as a once-in-a-generation athlete. Carera, who had already worked with several top-tier cyclists, was able to spot the signs of greatness in Pogačar’s early races, from his composure in tough moments to his natural instincts in the saddle.
One of the most striking aspects of Pogačar’s success has been his mental toughness. In a sport where fractions of a second can define victory or defeat, cyclists must be able to maintain focus and composure in the face of adversity. For Carera, this is where Pogačar truly shines.
“Tadej is someone who is extremely focused, but not in the usual way,” Carera explains. “He’s not the kind of guy who gets overly intense or stressed before a race. He has this calm about him, but there’s a quiet fire inside that keeps him pushing harder than anyone else when it matters most.”
This ability to remain unflustered under pressure is rare in professional cycling, where the stakes are high, and the competition is fierce. Carera recalls Pogačar’s breakthrough win at the 2020 Tour de France, when the young Slovenian made an incredible late-race surge to clinch victory in one of the most dramatic Tour finishes in recent memory.
“Tadej’s ability to stay calm in those final moments of the Tour, when all the pressure was on him, was something extraordinary,” Carera continues. “Many riders would have cracked, but he never showed signs of fear or anxiety. Instead, he embraced the challenge and delivered his best performance when it counted most.”
Pogačar’s mental strength is also reflected in his approach to setbacks. Even when things don’t go as planned, he remains focused on the bigger picture. Carera recalls how, after an early-stage defeat in a race, Pogačar immediately shifted his attention to his next goal, using the disappointment as fuel to improve.
While natural talent plays a significant role in Pogačar’s success, it is his work ethic that truly sets him apart. Carera describes the young Slovenian as one of the most disciplined and driven cyclists he’s ever worked with.
“His dedication to the sport is unmatched,” Carera says. “Tadej puts in the work, day in and day out, no matter the circumstances. He has this incredible desire to improve, and he never rests on his laurels, even after achieving major wins.”
It’s well-known that Pogačar is one of the hardest-working riders in the peloton. His training regime is rigorous, often tailored specifically to his needs and goals for the season. However, what makes Pogačar’s work ethic unique is his ability to constantly evolve and push the limits of his abilities.
“He’s always looking for ways to improve,” Carera adds. “Even when things are going well, he’s never satisfied. He’s always asking questions, studying his performance, and figuring out how he can get even better. This thirst for improvement is what separates the good riders from the great ones.”
Another standout quality of Pogačar’s racing style is his almost uncanny ability to read a race and make split-second decisions that often result in victory. Carera highlights how Pogačar’s natural instincts in the heat of battle give him an edge over competitors.
“When you watch Tadej race, you see a rider who knows exactly when to attack, when to hold back, and when to strike. His understanding of the dynamics of a race is just phenomenal,” Carera explains. “He has this intuition, a sixth sense for how a race will unfold. He doesn’t just ride with the pack—he rides ahead of it, anticipating moves and calculating his strategy in real-time.”
This intuition was on full display during the 2021 Tour de France, where Pogačar controlled the race with ease, making crucial decisions that led to his second consecutive victory. Carera believes that Pogačar’s ability to adapt and make decisive moves in real-time is one of the primary reasons he has been able to dominate the sport so early in his career.
Despite his immense success on the bike, Tadej Pogačar remains grounded and humble, a characteristic that Carera believes is key to his continued development and success. The young Slovenian maintains close ties to his family and team, and his humility makes him approachable and respected by those around him.
“Part of what makes Tadej such a special person is his humility,” Carera says. “He’s not someone who seeks the spotlight or brags about his accomplishments. He simply does his job to the best of his ability and remains focused on the bigger picture.”
This down-to-earth demeanor has made him not just a champion but a role model for young cyclists around the world. Carera believes that Pogačar’s approachability and dedication to improving the sport make him an ideal ambassador for cycling’s future.
With Tadej Pogačar still in the early stages of what promises to be an extraordinary career, the future is full of possibilities. Carera envisions even more greatness from the Slovenian, who continues to refine his skills and expand his racing repertoire.
“There’s no limit to what Tadej can achieve,” Carera concludes. “He’s already one of the best cyclists in the world, but I believe he has the potential to redefine the sport. He’s a rider who can not only dominate the Tour de France for years to come but also win in other disciplines and create a legacy that will stand the test of time.”
Pogačar’s journey, from his early days in Slovenia to his rise as one of the most dominant forces in professional cycling, is a testament to the power of natural talent, mental resilience, and an unrelenting drive to improve. As Carera points out, Pogačar’s success is not a result of luck, but of an extraordinary combination of attributes that make him stand out as a once-in-a-generation cyclist.
The cycling world is watching eagerly as Pogačar continues to write his story, one victory at a time. And with Carera by his side, there is no telling how far this incredible talent can go.
