Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation and two-time Tour de France winner, has long been associated with UAE Team Emirates, where he quickly rose to the top of the cycling world. His contract, initially set to keep him with the team until 2027, has recently been subject to significant speculation following a revealing interview in which Pogačar hinted at a reduction in his contract, potentially ending it as early as 2023.
In this candid discussion, Pogačar expressed a mix of emotions and motivations that contributed to this surprising decision. While fans and analysts have long considered him the linchpin of UAE Team Emirates’ future ambitions, the 25-year-old cyclist alluded to a desire for new challenges and a potential shift in his career trajectory. Although he remains one of the most dominant riders in the peloton, recent comments suggest he might not be tied to his current team for as long as originally planned.
Pogačar’s rise to prominence is one of the most remarkable stories in modern cycling. After signing with UAE Team Emirates in 2019, he won his first Tour de France just a year later at the age of 21, becoming the youngest winner in over a century. His back-to-back Tour victories in 2020 and 2021 solidified his status as one of the brightest talents of his generation. With a series of other prestigious wins, including Liège–Bastogne–Liège and Il Lombardia, Pogačar seemed set to dominate the sport for years to come.
However, recent seasons have not been without their challenges. A second-place finish behind Jonas Vingegaard in the 2022 Tour de France and more intense competition have led Pogačar to reevaluate his position in the sport and the direction of his career. While he continues to win at the highest levels, the Slovenian’s latest interview suggests that his ambitions may extend beyond just accumulating titles.
The original contract extension, which was set to keep Pogačar with UAE Team Emirates until 2027, was seen as a long-term commitment by both parties. UAE Team Emirates built their team around the young star, investing heavily in supporting riders and infrastructure to ensure he had the resources to remain at the top. This extension seemed like a guarantee that Pogačar would continue his dominance in the sport under their banner.
However, in his latest interview, Pogačar made it clear that the future might unfold differently than planned. While the exact details of the contract reduction are still under wraps, the Slovenian rider spoke about the possibility of pursuing new opportunities outside of UAE Team Emirates as early as 2023, hinting that his next move could involve either a transfer to another team or even a different focus in his cycling career.
There are several reasons that might explain why Pogačar is considering an early exit from his contract.
1. Personal Motivation: In the interview, Pogačar spoke about the need for new challenges and staying motivated. Having achieved so much at such a young age, he may be seeking fresh goals that go beyond merely defending titles. Whether this means joining a different team with a new structure and approach or taking on different cycling disciplines, Pogačar seems keen to break from the routine.
2. Tensions Within the Team: While there have been no overt conflicts, there have been rumors of tensions within UAE Team Emirates regarding team strategies, rider support, and the expectations placed on Pogačar. With the pressure of being the team’s undisputed leader, it’s possible that Pogačar is feeling the weight of responsibility and may be looking for an environment that allows for more flexibility or a lighter load.
3. Interest from Other Teams: Given Pogačar’s stature in the sport, it’s no surprise that other WorldTour teams would be interested in signing him. With speculation of teams like Ineos Grenadiers or Jumbo-Visma looking to bolster their rosters, Pogačar’s potential availability could spark a bidding war, offering him both financial incentives and new professional challenges.
4. Shifts in Personal Life: Pogačar has been open about his close relationships and his engagement to fellow professional cyclist Urška Žigart. It’s possible that personal considerations, such as a desire to spend more time with family or to explore new life paths outside of cycling, are influencing his decision to reconsider the length of his contract.
While no official announcement has been made regarding a formal contract reduction, the cycling world is abuzz with speculation about what the future holds for Pogačar. Will he seek a new team in 2024? Could he focus more on one-day races or even make a move toward other cycling disciplines like mountain biking, as Peter Sagan has done? Or will he surprise everyone with an entirely unexpected direction in his career?
In the interview, Pogačar hinted at having broader interests beyond road cycling, leaving the door open to many possibilities. He didn’t rule out exploring other sports, and given his natural talent and physical prowess, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see him excel in another discipline.
Tadej Pogačar’s potential contract reduction with UAE Team Emirates marks a pivotal moment in his career. As one of the sport’s brightest stars, any decision he makes will send shockwaves through the cycling world. While fans may be disappointed at the thought of him leaving UAE Team Emirates earlier than expected, it’s clear that Pogačar is a rider who thrives on challenges and change.
Whatever path he chooses, whether it’s continuing with another team or exploring new opportunities in cycling or beyond, one thing is certain: Tadej Pogačar will remain a name to watch, and his legacy in the sport will continue to evolve in fascinating ways.
