Tadej Pogačar, once regarded as the brightest star in cycling, has experienced a rapid and unexpected decline, leaving the cycling world stunned. Known for his meteoric rise in the sport, the Slovenian prodigy seemed poised to dominate the Grand Tours for years to come. But after a string of disappointing performances in 2024, questions are now being raised about whether Pogačar’s reign as one of the sport’s most dominant figures is coming to an end. From hero to zero, Pogačar’s fall has been as dramatic as his rise, leaving fans, analysts, and experts struggling to understand how the young champion lost his edge so suddenly.
The Rise of a Cycling Sensation
Pogačar’s ascent in the world of cycling was nothing short of extraordinary. At just 21, he became the youngest rider in history to win the Tour de France in 2020, a victory that established him as the future face of the sport. His seamless blend of climbing prowess, time-trialing ability, and race tactics made him a formidable competitor on all terrains. He followed up that victory with another Tour de France title in 2021, further solidifying his place in cycling history.
In addition to his two Tour de France victories, Pogačar amassed numerous stage wins, one-day classics, and an ever-growing list of accolades that placed him on a pedestal above his contemporaries. He was lauded for his maturity beyond his years, often displaying exceptional race intelligence, while his aggressive riding style made him a fan favorite. At just 23 years old, the Slovenian was considered a once-in-a-generation talent—a rider destined to win multiple Grand Tours and reshape the landscape of professional cycling.
The Beginning of the Decline
However, as the 2024 season progressed, cracks began to appear in Pogačar’s once-impenetrable armor. In the early part of the year, there were small signs of struggle. While he still performed admirably in some one-day races and minor stage races, he appeared to lack the spark that had made him so dominant in previous years. His once-vibrant attacking style in mountain stages seemed more measured, and his usual dominance in time trials was notably absent.
The turning point came in the 2024 Giro d’Italia. Pogačar entered the race as one of the favorites, yet he faltered in the crucial mountain stages. His body, once a well-oiled machine capable of withstanding the brutal demands of multi-week Grand Tours, seemed to betray him. Pogačar finished well outside the podium spots, and even in some stages, he struggled to keep up with competitors he would have easily dispatched in previous years. The loss to Jonas Vingegaard and Primož Roglič in the Giro, along with several costly errors in race strategy, left many wondering if the Slovenian had lost his competitive edge.
But it wasn’t just the Giro that raised alarms. His performance in the Tour de France 2024 was even more shocking. Despite entering the race as one of the top contenders, Pogačar’s struggle against the more consistent Vingegaard—who had seemingly entered a new level of dominance—was evident. His inability to mount a sustained challenge in the mountains, combined with several off-days during key time trials, meant he finished far from the podium in 2024, a far cry from his earlier dominance.
Injury Woes and Mental Struggles
While physical performance was a key factor in Pogačar’s decline, injury woes also played a significant role. In 2024, the Slovenian suffered from several minor but nagging injuries that seemed to compound over time. These injuries, ranging from muscle strains to joint discomfort, appeared to hinder his recovery between races, leaving him less prepared for the grueling demands of the Grand Tours. His inability to stay at 100% during the high-pressure stages of major races was a stark contrast to his past performances when he seemed impervious to fatigue.
Moreover, there have been rumors of mental fatigue creeping into Pogačar’s mindset. Cycling, particularly during the Tour de France, requires not only physical strength but also immense mental toughness. The constant media pressure, coupled with the weight of expectation as one of the top contenders in every race he entered, may have taken a toll. Pogačar, who was once described as fearless, now seemed to question himself at pivotal moments during races, leading to strategic mistakes and an inability to bounce back from bad days.
The intense mental strain of consistently being the best—combined with the emerging challenges from riders like Vingegaard, Roglič, and younger stars like Remco Evenepoel—could be wearing down Pogačar’s confidence. His race tactics, once sharp and decisive, now appeared more reactive than proactive. There was a sense that the fire that burned brightly when he first exploded onto the scene had begun to dim.
What’s Next for Pogačar?
The question now on everyone’s mind is: Is this the end of Tadej Pogačar’s dominance in cycling, or is this just a temporary dip in form?
For someone as talented as Pogačar, it’s hard to believe that his career is on an irreversible decline. With a still-young age of 25, Pogačar has plenty of time to recover and regain his previous form. However, the road ahead will not be easy. As his rivals, particularly Vingegaard, have solidified themselves as major forces in cycling, Pogačar will need to regroup and refine his strategy if he’s to remain a contender at the highest level.
In addition to improving his physical conditioning and addressing any lingering injuries, Pogačar will need to focus on his mental fortitude. The pressure of living up to the “next big thing” narrative can be overwhelming, and if Pogačar is to overcome this slump, it may require a shift in mindset. He must rediscover the confidence that once made him a relentless competitor, unafraid of attacking at any moment.
Cycling fans and analysts alike are hoping that this is merely a phase for Pogačar. His youth, combined with his immense talent and competitive spirit, suggests that he still has the potential to return to his former glory. But whether he can regain his previous dominance or whether the sport has passed him by remains to be seen.
Conclusion: A Hero’s Fall, But Not the End
Tadej Pogačar’s fall from the summit of cycling has been both shocking and swift. From a hero who appeared destined for greatness, he now finds himself at a crossroads in his career. However, the cycling world is no stranger to comebacks, and if anyone can bounce back from a rough patch, it’s a rider with the heart and determination of Pogačar. Whether he will return to being the dominant force he once was or continue to struggle against the rising tide of competition is still an open question—but one thing is certain: the journey of Tadej Pogačar is far from over.
Leave a Reply