Tadej Pogačar, one of cycling's brightest stars, just dropped a bombshell that's sure to make waves: He's not going anywhere anytime soon! Forget those rumors of an early retirement; Pogačar has emphatically stated he's committed to racing with UAE Team Emirates-XRG through 2030, and even hinted at continuing his career beyond that point.
At 27 years old, Pogačar's dominance in the sport has led to speculation about when he might hang up his cleats. Earlier this year, whispers suggested he might retire after the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. But those whispers have now been silenced, at least for now.
In a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogačar set the record straight. He emphasized his commitment to racing for at least another five years, effectively squashing any talk of an imminent departure. He is fully intending to honor his contract.
The same report also speculated that Pogačar might follow a similar early-season approach to 2024, potentially kicking off his season with Strade Bianche on March 7th. While Pogačar didn't confirm this specific race, he did reveal his plans to include both Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix in his 2026 racing calendar. So, fans can look forward to seeing him compete in those iconic races in the coming years.
Addressing the retirement rumors head-on, Pogačar declared, "I never considered leaving at the end of 2028. I signed my contract until 2030, and unless something crazy happens, I'll obviously respect that. Otherwise, I would never have signed until that date." This statement leaves little room for doubt about his intentions to fulfill his contractual obligations.
Pogačar's ambitions extend beyond simply honoring his contract. In addition to targeting a record-equaling fifth victory at the Tour de France, and aiming for a record-tying three World Championship wins (a feat achieved by Peter Sagan with his three consecutive victories from 2015-2017), he's also focused on conquering the two Monuments that are currently missing from his impressive palmares. This demonstrates his relentless drive for success and his desire to cement his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
Looking ahead to 2026, Pogačar plans to maintain his focus on the Spring Classics, building upon his targets for 2025. He also shared insights into his personal life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy with his partner, fellow professional racer Urška Zigart. "For example, my ex-coach pointed out how often football players have their personal cook, someone to do the shopping and clean the house…that doesn't work for me or for Urška. Yes, sometimes it's not simple, with the house being topsy-turvy and suitcases everywhere, but we prefer to sort things out ourselves." This reveals a down-to-earth side to the superstar cyclist.
Now entering his eighth season as a professional, Pogačar reflected on his evolving perspective. "My outlook changes a little each year," he noted, suggesting a continuous process of growth and adaptation as he navigates the challenges and triumphs of his career.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some analysts suggest that Pogačar's commitment to 2030 might be a strategic move, allowing him flexibility later on should a truly incredible opportunity arise elsewhere. While his words are clear, the world of professional cycling is known for its shifting sands. Do you think his commitment is absolute, or is there room for interpretation? What kind of "crazy" event could change his mind? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
