The world of professional cycling was rocked today as Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar, widely regarded as one of the sport’s brightest talents, expressed deep disappointment and sadness over the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election. With former President Donald Trump securing a contentious victory, Pogačar, who has often used his platform to advocate for unity, climate change awareness, and social justice, shared an emotional message on social media reflecting his concerns for the future of global politics.
Pogačar’s feelings are far from being an isolated reaction, as his fans and many of his peers across various sports have expressed frustration over the increasingly polarized political climate. However, Pogačar’s statement stood out for its personal tone and the sadness he conveyed as a result of Trump’s return to the White House. In a lengthy and heartfelt post, the 25-year-old cyclist from UAE Team Emirates shared his fear for what Trump’s second term might mean not just for the United States, but for the world at large.
“I can’t deny how deeply saddened I am by the outcome of this election,” Pogačar wrote, his words tinged with genuine emotion. “Politics should be about bringing people together, about creating a better future for everyone, but with this win, it feels like we are moving in the opposite direction—toward greater division, greater hatred, and more uncertainty for those who are already vulnerable.”
The victory of Donald Trump, who had been a highly controversial figure throughout his first term, has set the stage for even more conflict, with critics of the former president voicing concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions, human rights, and the environment. For many, including Pogačar, the outcome of the 2024 election is seen as a worrying signal of the political and social divides that continue to tear at the fabric of the United States and the wider world.
Pogačar’s post has left many stunned by the weight of his words. The young cyclist, whose meteoric rise in the cycling world has been marked by numerous Grand Tour victories and unprecedented achievements, has become one of the sport’s most prominent figures, not just for his athletic abilities but also for his passion for social causes. He has long been outspoken about climate change, promoting sustainable practices within his own life and team, and advocating for the protection of the environment.
Given his platform and his strong ethical stance, it’s no surprise that the political situation in the U.S. has deeply troubled Pogačar. He has often spoken about the need for global solidarity and cooperation, stressing the importance of tackling issues like climate change and inequality on an international scale. In the wake of Trump’s victory, Pogačar fears that those global challenges will only become harder to address, as the political atmosphere in the U.S. remains volatile and unpredictable.
“To see such a divisive figure return to power is heartbreaking,” he continued in his message. “It feels like the world is taking steps backward instead of moving forward. We’ve seen the consequences of polarization before—people are hurt, families are torn apart, communities are divided. I just don’t understand how a nation as powerful and influential as the United States can continue to allow these rifts to grow wider.”
Pogačar’s words reflect the sorrow of many who had hoped that the 2024 election might serve as a moment of healing and reconciliation. Instead, the outcome has only deepened fears about the future. His message also highlights the emotional toll that political instability takes on young people, many of whom are increasingly disillusioned with the state of global politics.
The Slovenian rider’s concern is not just for his own future, but for the future of the younger generation that is forced to inherit a world plagued by division, injustice, and environmental destruction. “We don’t have time for more chaos,” he said. “We need leaders who understand the urgency of the climate crisis, who value human rights, and who want to work together to fix the problems we face. This is the moment to unite, not to tear each other apart.”
Pogačar’s sadness is shared by many around the world, particularly those in the cycling and sports communities who view the sport as a space for unity and collaboration, far removed from the toxic partisanship that has come to define so much of the political discourse in recent years. His message, while filled with personal grief, also serves as a call to action, urging people to reflect on the importance of building bridges, not walls.
The implications of Trump’s return to power also weigh heavily on the environment, one of Pogačar’s key concerns. His environmental advocacy, particularly his commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of his sport, has earned him respect from fans and fellow athletes alike. However, with Trump’s history of climate change denial and his administration’s rollback of environmental protections, Pogačar’s fears are deeply rooted in the understanding that the fight against global warming will be even harder to win under Trump’s leadership.
As the world watches in the aftermath of the election, the question remains: will Pogačar’s words fall on deaf ears, or will they serve as a rallying cry for those who believe that the future must be about collaboration, respect, and mutual understanding?
In the end, Tadej Pogačar’s message is more than just a personal reaction to a political result; it is a plea for empathy, for hope, and for a better world—one in which we can overcome our differences and work together to face the challenges of the 21st century. “I will continue to fight for what I believe in,” Pogačar concluded, “but I am heartbroken that this is the world we have to live in. We deserve better.”
For many, Pogačar’s sadness is a stark reminder of the emotional toll that divisive politics have on the global community. The weight of his words and the vulnerability behind them serve as a poignant reminder that the personal stakes of politics are not just for those who are directly involved—they affect everyone. And as Pogačar’s message echoes across the cycling world and beyond, it will no doubt continue to inspire those who believe in the possibility of a kinder, more unified future.
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