Professional cyclist Tadej Pogacar has developed into a sports superstar in recent years. A development that is now underpinned by an interesting choice.
The Slovenian was the only cyclist included in the list of the 100 most influential people in sport by the US magazine “TIME”. The Slovenian joins world stars such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Erling Haaland, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Lando Norris, Armand Duplantis and Jordan Stolz.
The “TIME” list is not structured as a classic ranking. Instead, the selected athletes and officials are assigned to different categories such as “Icons,” “Titans,” “Innovators” or “Leaders.” Pogacar is one of the outstanding personalities in world sport.
In its appreciation, the magazine particularly highlighted the 26-year-old’s exceptional versatility. The four-time winner of the Tour de France can win on practically any terrain: Grand Tours, week-long tours, classics, world championships and individual time trials. Whether cobblestones, gravel or steep climbs – Pogacar is considered a complete driver with no noticeable weaknesses.
“Suffering and cycling belong together”
“TIME” also reminds us of the beginnings of the Slovenian. Pogacar was originally primarily interested in football as a child. It was only after his older brother joined a local cycling club that he also discovered his passion for cycling.
The magazine is particularly impressed by Pogacar’s attitude towards suffering, which is seen as an inevitable part of success in cycling. “Suffering and cycling go together. Anyone who rides a bike – even just for fun – knows what it’s like to suffer on a mountain or to fight through the cold and rain. This is what unites the cycling community and makes this sport so special,” Pogacar told the “Union Cycliste Internationale” in 2024.
The captain of the UAE Team Emirates XRG team will compete in his next race from Wednesday at the Tour de Suisse. The focus then turns to defending the title at the Tour de France. Later in the season, the Vuelta a España, the UCI Road World Championships and Il Lombardia could also be on his program.