Tadej Pogačar Eyes Greater Glory in 2025: “I Hope Next Season Will Be Even Better”
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has achieved more in his young career than most riders could hope for in a lifetime. As the cycling world gears up for the 2025 season, Pogačar has made his intentions clear: he’s hungry for more. With multiple Tour de France victories, Monument wins, and a string of dominant performances, the UAE Team Emirates leader is aiming to further solidify his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
This ambition is not just about maintaining his current dominance but also about reaching new heights in the sport. “I hope next season will be even better,” Pogačar declared in a recent interview, a sentiment that reflects his relentless drive for improvement. This article delves into Pogačar’s incredible career, his 2024 season, and his plans for continued domination in 2025.
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At just 25 years old, Tadej Pogačar has already built an enviable career. Born on September 21, 1998, in Komenda, Slovenia, Pogačar burst onto the professional cycling scene with UAE Team Emirates in 2019. In his debut season, he became the youngest rider to win a UCI WorldTour race, taking overall victory at the Tour of California.
His rise to superstardom came the following year during the 2020 Tour de France. At the age of 21, Pogačar shocked the cycling world by winning the general classification, mountains classification, and young rider classification—a feat unmatched in modern cycling history. The dramatic time-trial victory on the penultimate stage, where he overtook fellow Slovenian Primož Roglič, remains one of the sport’s most iconic moments.
Since then, Pogačar has continued to dominate, winning the Tour de France again in 2021, claiming Monument victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2021) and the Tour of Flanders (2023), and showcasing his versatility in races ranging from stage events to one-day classics. His ability to excel across all terrains—mountains, cobblestones, and time trials—has established him as the complete package in professional cycling.
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The 2024 season was another defining year for Pogačar, marked by triumphs and challenges that tested his resilience. After finishing second to Jonas Vingegaard in the 2023 Tour de France, Pogačar returned to the Grand Tour circuit in 2024 with renewed focus. He delivered a commanding performance at the Vuelta a España, claiming the overall victory and showcasing his tactical acumen and climbing prowess.
His performance in the Spring Classics also stood out. While Pogačar narrowly missed out on a win in Strade Bianche, he showed grit by taking podiums in Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. His aggressive racing style, always a hallmark of his career, made him a crowd favorite, even when victory eluded him.
In addition to his individual successes, Pogačar played a pivotal role in leading UAE Team Emirates to the top of the team rankings. His collaboration with teammates like João Almeida and Marc Soler highlighted his leadership skills and underscored his importance to the squad’s overall strategy.
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Pogačar’s dominance stems from a combination of natural talent, mental toughness, and a relentless work ethic.
1. **Unmatched Versatility**
Pogačar is one of the few riders who can realistically target both Grand Tours and one-day classics. His ability to win on steep mountain climbs, flat time trials, and technical cobblestone sections makes him a threat in nearly every type of race.
2. **Tactical Brilliance**
Beyond his physical capabilities, Pogačar’s tactical intelligence sets him apart. He has an innate ability to read a race, anticipate his rivals’ moves, and respond with precision. This was evident in his Tour de France victories, where he timed his attacks to perfection.
3. **Fearless Racing Style**
Pogačar races with an aggression and confidence that few others possess. Whether it’s attacking on a long climb or taking risks on a descent, he’s not afraid to push the limits to gain an edge.
4. **Mental Resilience**
Even in the face of setbacks, Pogačar remains composed and focused. His second-place finish in the 2023 Tour de France was a disappointment by his standards, but he used it as motivation to improve and came back stronger in the Vuelta a España.
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As he looks ahead to the 2025 season, Pogačar’s ambitions are as lofty as ever. In a recent interview, he hinted at targeting both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia—an audacious goal that few riders have successfully achieved.
“My dream has always been to win all three Grand Tours,” Pogačar said. “The Giro is a race I’ve always admired, and I feel like 2025 might be the right time to take on that challenge.”
Pogačar is also keen to add more Monuments to his palmarès. With victories in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders already under his belt, he has his sights set on conquering Paris-Roubaix and Milan-San Remo. Winning all five Monuments—a feat accomplished by only three riders in history—would further cement his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
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No discussion of Pogačar’s career is complete without mentioning his rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard. The two have faced off in the Tour de France multiple times, with Vingegaard emerging victorious in 2022 and 2023. Their battles have been characterized by mutual respect and contrasting styles: Pogačar’s aggression versus Vingegaard’s measured consistency.
Heading into 2025, the rivalry is expected to continue. “Racing against Jonas always brings out the best in me,” Pogačar said. “He’s an incredible rider, and I know I’ll need to be at my absolute best to beat him.”
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Beyond his individual achievements, Pogačar has had a transformative impact on Slovenian cycling and the sport as a whole. His success has inspired a new generation of Slovenian riders, including teammates like Jan Polanc and young talents emerging through the ranks.
Pogačar’s popularity has also transcended cycling, making him a global ambassador for the sport. His approachable personality, humility, and willingness to engage with fans have endeared him to audiences worldwide.
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While Pogačar’s career trajectory has been meteoric, the road ahead is not without challenges. His packed race schedule and aggressive racing style take a physical toll, raising questions about sustainability. Additionally, the emergence of new talents like Remco Evenepoel and Juan Ayuso ensures that competition will remain fierce.
However, if there’s one thing Pogačar has proven, it’s his ability to adapt and overcome. His relentless pursuit of excellence, combined with his deep love for the sport, suggests that he is far from reaching his limits.
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Tadej Pogačar stands on the cusp of greatness, with a career that has already rewritten the history books and promises even more spectacular chapters. As he enters the 2025 season, his goals are clear: to dominate, to inspire, and to push the boundaries of what is possible in professional cycling.
Whether he’s conquering the Alps, sprinting to victory in a Monument, or battling rivals on the cobblestones, Pogačar embodies the spirit of a true champion. His journey is far from over, and fans around the world eagerly await the next thrilling installment in the saga of Tadej Pogačar—a rider whose legacy is already legendary and whose future promises even greater triumphs.
