Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation, has taken the cycling world by storm over the past few years. With back-to-back Tour de France victories in 2020 and 2021 and his thrilling performances in various other races, he has rapidly become a household name in the sport. But beyond his accolades, there’s a growing sentiment that Pogačar might just be the cycling world’s new favorite. So, what has led to this surge in popularity, and what are some of the insights shared by the legends of the sport, including Mark Cavendish, as revealed on Lance Armstrong’s podcast?
Pogačar’s rise in the cycling world is nothing short of meteoric. Bursting onto the scene at a young age, he quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. His aggressive yet calculated riding style, combined with an uncanny ability to excel in both climbing and time trials, makes him a versatile and formidable competitor. But it’s not just his talent that has won over fans; it’s also his demeanor. Pogačar’s humble attitude, combined with a palpable love for the sport, has endeared him to fans and fellow cyclists alike.
In a sport often marred by controversy, Pogačar’s rise feels like a breath of fresh air. Unlike some of his predecessors, who have been associated with doping scandals and intense rivalries, Pogačar has managed to stay clear of such controversies, at least for now. His clean image, coupled with his genuine sportsmanship, has resonated with a global audience tired of the darker chapters in cycling’s history.
Moreover, his willingness to engage with fans and the media, his youthful enthusiasm, and his respectful approach towards his competitors have only strengthened his image as a new face of the sport. In a way, Pogačar represents a new era in cycling—one where talent, hard work, and a positive attitude can still triumph.
On a recent episode of his podcast, “The Move,” Lance Armstrong shared an interesting conversation he had with cycling legend Mark Cavendish. According to Armstrong, Cavendish had some pointed observations about the young Slovenian star.
Cavendish, a seasoned sprinter with a keen eye for strategy, reportedly told Armstrong that Pogačar’s rise is not just due to his physical capabilities but also his mental toughness and race intelligence. Cavendish praised Pogačar for his ability to read a race, understand his competitors, and choose the perfect moments to attack. This combination of physical prowess and mental acumen is what, in Cavendish’s opinion, sets Pogačar apart from his peers and makes him a formidable opponent.
But it wasn’t just praise. Cavendish also hinted at a growing unease in the peloton regarding Pogačar’s dominance. He noted that while many riders respect Pogačar, there is also a sense of urgency to find ways to counteract his strategies. As Armstrong recounted, Cavendish emphasized the importance of being aggressive and not allowing Pogačar too much space to operate during races. This insight suggests that while Pogačar may be the new favorite, he is also a marked man in the peloton, with competitors eager to dethrone him.
The combination of Pogačar’s prodigious talent, his engaging personality, and his clean image has catapulted him into the hearts of cycling fans worldwide. His fearless approach to racing, where he often takes risks and pushes the limits, makes him an exciting rider to watch. Fans appreciate his willingness to attack rather than simply defend, which brings an element of unpredictability to races.
Additionally, Pogačar’s rise comes at a time when the sport is in need of new heroes. With the shadow of past doping scandals still looming over cycling, the emergence of a young, seemingly clean superstar offers hope for a brighter future. Pogačar embodies the qualities that many fans want to see in the sport—talent, humility, and a love for the race.
Tadej Pogačar’s journey from a promising young rider to the cycling world’s favorite has been nothing short of remarkable. His talent, combined with his engaging personality and clean image, has endeared him to fans around the globe. However, as Lance Armstrong’s conversation with Mark Cavendish suggests, while Pogačar may be the favorite, he is also a target. The next few years will be critical in determining whether Pogačar can maintain his dominance or if the peloton will find ways to challenge his supremacy. Either way, the cycling world will be watching closely.
