Unveiled: Fascinating Facts Regarding Tadej Pogacar Revealed
Tadej Pogačar: Cycling's Young Phenom
Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation, has been making waves in the world of cycling since turning professional in 2019. At just 25 years old, Pogačar has already etched his name into the annals of cycling history with an impressive list of achievements.
In 2020, Pogačar made history by becoming the second youngest rider ever to win the Tour de France at the age of 21 years and 365 days. This feat was even more remarkable as he was also the first Slovenian rider to win the prestigious race. His compatriot, Primoz Roglic, became the first Slovenian to finish second.
Pogačar's dominance in grand tours began early in his professional career. In his first Grand Tour, the Vuelta a España in 2019, he took third place overall, winning three stages. This impressive performance set the stage for his Tour de France victory the following year.
In 2021, Pogačar successfully defended his Tour de France title, winning three stages and three classifications. He also added several other victories to his name, including Tirreno-Adriatico, UAE Tour, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Il Lombardia, and an Olympic bronze medal.
The following year, in 2022, Pogačar once again demonstrated his grand tour dominance by winning the UAE Tour and Strade Bianche with a solo attack. He repeated his Tirreno-Adriatico victory and finished second in the Tour de France after losing the lead mid-race but earning four stage wins this year cumulatively.
Pogačar's achievements do not stop at grand tours. He has also shown his prowess in classic one-day races, winning several Monuments such as the Tour of Flanders (twice), Liège–Bastogne–Liège (three times), and Giro di Lombardia (four times). In 2024, he achieved the rare Triple Crown of Cycling by winning the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and World Championship Road Race in the same year.
Pogačar's maximum power output is 1,253 watts, achieved at the Tokyo Olympics. He is estimated to earn €8 million a year, reputedly the highest paid rider in the peloton. His fastest recorded speed is 106kph (65.8mph), achieved downhill.
Pogačar rides a Colnago V4Rs with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 and ENVE wheels. He is compared to cycling legend Eddy Merckx due to his ability to win Classics as well as Grand Tours. In 2019, he was the Slovenian national champion in cyclo-cross and won the inaugural Ciklokros Ljubljana.
Pogačar is also the only rider to have broken the 6,000 point ceiling for UCI points. He is the third male rider ever to win the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, World Championships, Il Lombardia, and Liege-Bastogne-Liege in the same season. Each year, he rides around 30,000 kilometres (18,600 miles).
Pogačar's meteoric rise, consistent grand tour dominance, classic one-day race mastery, and historic feats by his mid-20s have consolidated his status as one of cycling’s greatest talents. As he continues to break records and defy expectations, Pogačar is sure to remain a force to be reckoned with in the world of cycling.
Sports enthusiasts might find themselves in a heated discussion about sports-betting, with Pogačar's name often coming up as a popular choice. Despite his successful career in cycling, one might wonder if Pogačar has ever shown an interest in other sports, perhaps watching football or golf on television, or even participating in a friendly game of basketball with his teammates. Racing, too, has been a part of Pogačar's life, not only on his bike but also on the sailing race course, as he is known to be an avid racing fan and occasional participant. On the tennis court, one might imagine Pogačar exchanging racquets with his colleagues for a friendly match, showcasing his all-around athleticism.
