Tadej Pogačar: “The odds are pretty good to win five times the Tour de France, but that’s not my goal now
When Tadej Pogačar first burst onto the cycling scene, his talent was undeniable, and his potential seemed limitless. At just 21 years old, the Slovenian cyclist stunned the world by winning his first Tour de France in 2020, a feat he repeated the following year. His meteoric rise sparked comparisons to the sport’s greatest legends, and with each passing season, whispers about whether Pogačar could one day match or even surpass the record of five Tour de France victories began to grow louder. However, in his typically modest and grounded manner, Pogačar has made it clear: chasing records isn’t what drives him.
Pogačar’s back-to-back victories in the 2020 and 2021 Tour de France solidified his place among cycling’s elite, and fans and experts alike began speculating on just how many titles the young rider could amass. Riders like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Miguel Indurain, and Jacques Anquetil—the only cyclists to have won the Tour five times—now seemed within reach of this prodigy from Slovenia.
But despite these lofty expectations, Pogačar has remained steadfast in his focus, refusing to be drawn into discussions about breaking records or emulating the careers of those who came before him. When asked about the possibility of joining that elite group, Pogačar simply shrugged off the notion, stating, “The odds are pretty good to win five times the Tour de France, but that’s not my goal now.”
For Pogačar, cycling is about far more than titles and statistics. It’s about the joy of the sport, the thrill of competition, and the constant pursuit of self-improvement. “I want to enjoy the race,” Pogačar says. “I don’t think about breaking records. If it happens, it happens, but I don’t want to focus on it.”
The cycling world is no stranger to the burden of expectations. Legends like Eddy Merckx and Lance Armstrong, who dominated their eras, carried immense pressure to keep winning, sometimes at great personal cost. Pogačar, however, is keen to avoid falling into this trap. By distancing himself from the record-chasing mentality, he preserves his love for the sport and remains focused on his own journey rather than living up to external expectations.
At just 25 years old, Pogačar has plenty of time to add to his legacy, but he’s in no rush. His approach is reminiscent of the humility that has defined his character since the beginning of his career. Even as the world places him on a pedestal, Pogačar’s down-to-earth attitude keeps him grounded.
“I know people expect a lot,” he admits, “but I don’t feel pressure from that. I just want to ride my bike, have fun, and do my best every time.”
In contrast to many professional athletes who become consumed by their desire to achieve greatness, Pogačar appears to have a broader perspective on life. He’s acutely aware of the fleeting nature of athletic success and remains focused on more than just victories. His interests outside of cycling, such as his love for nature, music, and time spent with family and fiancée, fellow cyclist Urška Žigart, help him maintain balance in his life.
This well-rounded approach seems to be part of what keeps Pogačar grounded, even as the accolades pour in. When asked about his future plans, Pogačar doesn’t speak in terms of career milestones or specific races he wants to win. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of personal growth and enjoying the ride.
“I love cycling, but it’s not everything,” he explains. “I’m lucky to do what I love, but I know it won’t last forever. I want to make the most of it, but I also want to live a good life off the bike.”
Despite his relaxed outlook on breaking records, Pogačar’s competitive spirit remains as fierce as ever. He continues to push himself to new heights and embraces the challenge of going head-to-head with the world’s best cyclists. His rivalry with Jonas Vingegaard, who bested him in the 2022 and 2023 Tour de France, has become one of the most captivating storylines in modern cycling.
Rather than seeing these setbacks as failures, Pogačar views them as opportunities to learn and grow. “Every race is a new challenge,” he says. “I want to keep improving, to become a better rider. Winning or losing doesn’t change that.”
His recent forays into other disciplines, such as mountain biking, further demonstrate his love for variety in the sport. His passion for cycling extends beyond road racing, and he seems just as excited about competing in off-road events as he does about the Tour.
As Tadej Pogačar continues to carve out his place in cycling history, it’s clear that he’s doing so on his own terms. He may well go on to win more Tours de France and challenge the records set by the legends before him, but for now, those aren’t his priorities. Instead, Pogačar remains focused on enjoying each moment, pushing himself to new heights, and embracing the unpredictability of the sport he loves.
“I don’t have a specific number in mind,” he says. “If I win five Tours, great. If I don’t, that’s okay too. For me, it’s about the journey, not the destination.”
In an era where many athletes are defined by their quest for titles and records, Pogačar’s perspective is refreshing. His talent is undeniable, but his humility, focus, and love for the sport set him apart. As he continues to evolve as a rider and a person, fans can look forward to watching one of the most exciting talents in modern cycling, all while knowing that Tadej Pogačar is content to let the future unfold in its own time.
