Tadej Pogačar Dismisses Retirement Rumors, Eyes Racing Beyond 2030
A recent interview with la Gazzetta dello Sport has definitively put to rest speculation surrounding Tadej Pogačar’s potential retirement, with the Slovenian cycling superstar confirming plans to race professionally thru at least 2030 and potentially beyond. The 27-year-old addressed rumors that surfaced earlier this year suggesting he might conclude his career following the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Pogačar, a four-time Tour de France winner, was emphatic in his commitment to his current team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG. “I never considered leaving at the end of 2028,” he stated.”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.” He further indicated a strong desire to remain with UAE beyond 2030, describing the team as feeling “more and more like a family.”
Looking ahead, pogačar outlined his ambitious racing schedule. While he did not confirm a specific start date for the 2025 season, reports suggest a similar late start to 2024, potentially beginning with Strade Bianche on March 7. He did, however, confirm his participation in both Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix in 2026, highlighting his continued focus on the Spring Classics.
Beyond the major stage races,Pogačar is setting his sights on completing his palmarès by winning the two “Monuments” that currently elude him. He emphasized his dedication to peak performance for these events, specifically referencing the “Hell of the North” (Paris-Roubaix) on April 12 and a Spring Classic on March 21.He is also aiming for a record-equalling fifth Tour de France victory and a third World Championship title, which would tie him with Peter Sagan’s impressive streak of three consecutive wins from 2015-2017.
Despite his demanding professional life, Pogačar maintains a grounded approach to his personal life alongside his partner, professional racer Urška Zigart of AG insurance-Soudal. He expressed a preference for handling everyday tasks himself, stating, “I like going to the supermarket and buying what I need, o
he acknowledged that maintaining a balance can be challenging, but he and Zigart prioritize self-sufficiency.
entering his eighth season as a professional cyclist, Pogačar recognizes that his perspective evolves with each passing year. However, one constant remains: his unwavering enthusiasm for racing.”But the one thing that doesn’t change, one season after another, is that I can’t wait to get back into racing again,” he affirmed, signaling a continued commitment to the sport he loves.
News Report summary:
Why: Rumors of Tadej Pogačar’s retirement after the 2028 Olympics prompted an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport to clarify his future plans.
Who: Tadej Pogačar, a 27-year-old Slovenian professional cyclist, and his team, UAE Team Emirates-X
