In a shocking revelation that has left the cycling world buzzing, Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian prodigy and two-time Tour de France champion, announced his secret ambition to win five Tour de France titles—before retiring from professional cycling at just 28 years old. The 25-year-old’s candid comments came in an exclusive interview with Cycling Weekly, where he opened up about his career aspirations, his personal motivations, and the future of his professional journey. Pogačar’s statement has sent ripples through the cycling community, sparking debates about the balance between peak performance and longevity, and leaving fans and pundits alike asking: Could Pogačar really pull this off?
A Bold and Ambitious Goal
Tadej Pogačar is already a legend in the making. After winning his first Tour de France title in 2020 at the age of 21 and securing his second in 2021, he quickly became one of the sport’s brightest stars. His aggressive riding style, incredible climbing ability, and mental toughness have made him the face of cycling’s new generation. However, it was his recent admission that took the sport by surprise.
“I’ve always set big goals for myself, and the Tour de France has been the pinnacle of my career so far,” Pogačar explained. “But I want to do more. My dream is to win five Tour titles. After that, I think I’ll have achieved everything I want in the sport and retire. I’ll be 28, which is young, but I feel like my body and mind will have given everything they can to the sport by then. It’s about pushing my limits while I’m at my peak.”
This announcement has sent shockwaves through cycling, as many in the sport’s history have dreamed of winning five Tours, but few have ever reached that pinnacle. The notion of retiring at 28, however, is something rarely seen in a sport where athletes often continue into their 30s, especially in the case of endurance riders like Pogačar. His plans are as daring as they are unconventional.
The Road to Five Tours
Pogačar’s assertion that he can win five Tour de France titles before stepping away from the sport is not as outlandish as it may seem. At just 25, he has already demonstrated an extraordinary level of dominance in one of the most grueling events in world sport. His two victories came in dramatic fashion: in 2020, he claimed the yellow jersey in a breathtaking final-stage performance, and in 2021, he held on to his lead despite fierce competition from Jonas Vingegaard, Richard Carapaz, and others.
If Pogačar’s fitness and form remain at their current level, his ability to secure three more Tour de France victories is not beyond the realm of possibility. His youthful energy, combined with his exceptional talent in both the mountains and time trials, makes him one of the most well-rounded riders in modern cycling. The question is not if he could win five Tours, but rather how he will manage the immense physical and mental demands of attempting to do so.
“I know what it takes to win a Tour, and I know it’s not just about one great year,” Pogačar said. “It’s about maintaining focus, dealing with setbacks, and always staying ahead of the competition. But I’ve got a strong team behind me, and I believe that together, we can achieve this goal.”
What’s Behind the Plan to Retire Early?
While Pogačar’s goal is undeniably ambitious, the idea of retiring at 28 is still a bold one. In cycling, athletes typically reach their prime in their late 20s or early 30s, and many of the sport’s greatest champions have continued racing well into their 30s. Pogačar himself has always expressed an appreciation for the long-term aspect of his career, yet his desire to retire early seems rooted in a desire for balance.
“I love cycling, but I also know the toll it takes on your body and mind,” he explained. “I want to enjoy life outside of the sport, and I want to give myself time to experience other things before I get too old. If I win five Tours, I’ll feel like I’ve accomplished what I set out to do.”
Many in the cycling community were initially shocked by his statement, wondering if it might be a reaction to the intense pressure that comes with being a top contender in the sport. However, his comments reflect a more thoughtful and introspective approach to his future in cycling.
Reactions from the Cycling World
The news has sparked mixed reactions from Pogačar’s peers and cycling experts. On one hand, there is awe at his audacity and ambition. On the other, there is a sense of cautious optimism.
“It’s amazing to hear that Tadej has set such a high target,” said Chris Froome, a four-time Tour de France winner. “He has the talent to do it, no doubt about that. But winning five Tours is an extraordinary challenge, and it requires not only physical strength but also mental fortitude over the years. It will be interesting to see how he manages that.”
Others are more skeptical. “Cycling is a demanding sport, and while Pogačar has the potential to win five Tours, it’s a huge ask,” said former rider and cycling commentator Sean Kelly. “But if anyone has the ability to achieve something like this, it’s him. He’s a phenomenon.”
Life After Cycling: What’s Next?
Pogačar has also begun thinking about his life beyond cycling, with aspirations that extend far beyond the world of professional sports. In his interview, he hinted at a passion for adventure and travel, as well as a desire to give back to the community, possibly through charity work. “Cycling has been my life, but there are so many other things I want to explore,” he said.
Despite his stated intention to retire early, Pogačar’s plan has an air of pragmatism to it. His desire for a balanced life, free from the constant grind of professional cycling, aligns with the increasingly common trend of athletes seeking fulfillment outside their careers, and taking control of their futures at an age when many might still be chasing additional glory.
The Road Ahead
As Pogačar continues his quest for a third Tour de France victory in 2024, eyes will be on him not just for his racing, but also for how he handles the immense expectations now weighing on his shoulders. With his goal of five titles in mind, the next few years could be the most intense of his career—each Tour a step closer to the unprecedented milestone.
Whether or not Pogačar achieves his five Tour de France titles before retiring at 28 remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Tadej Pogačar is a rider who is not afraid to set bold goals, and his ambition may very well change the way the cycling world views peak performance, longevity, and retirement.
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