As the dust settles on another successful cycling season, Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian prodigy who has taken the sport by storm, has already set his sights on next year. Reflecting on his impressive performances in 2024, Pogačar is looking ahead to the 2025 season with one goal in mind: to elevate his dominance even further.
Tadej Pogačar, 25, has been the undisputed star of the cycling world over the past few seasons, with his exceptional talent and relentless drive earning him the moniker of a future legend. With two Tour de France victories (2020, 2021), a series of one-day classics, and triumphs at major stage races like the UAE Tour and the Volta a Catalunya, Pogačar’s name is etched in cycling history. But despite his already glittering career, the Slovenian rider remains hungry for more success.
In a recent interview, Pogačar shared his excitement for what’s to come in 2025, stating, “I hope next season will be even better.” This simple yet powerful statement highlights Pogačar’s mentality: always striving for perfection, no matter how much he has already achieved. His unwavering pursuit of excellence is one of the defining characteristics of his career, and it’s clear that he is not resting on his laurels.
A Standout 2024 Season
Before looking forward, it’s important to reflect on Pogačar’s remarkable achievements in 2024. The season saw the Slovenian maestro maintain his position as one of the top riders in the world. He delivered a dazzling display of skill and endurance, claiming victories at the prestigious Tirreno-Adriatico, where he showed his versatility by dominating both time trials and mountain stages. His remarkable performance in the 2024 Giro d’Italia, where he took control of the race early on and never looked back, further solidified his standing as one of the most complete riders in modern cycling.
However, despite these successes, Pogačar did not walk away with the one race that has come to define his career: the Tour de France. While he put up a strong challenge in 2024, the yellow jersey ultimately slipped through his fingers as Jonas Vingegaard of Jumbo-Visma triumphed once again. Many saw the race as a fierce rivalry between the two, with Pogačar pushing himself to the limit in pursuit of a third Tour victory. Although Vingegaard proved the stronger rider in the 2024 edition, Pogačar’s aggressive tactics and unyielding fighting spirit impressed fans and experts alike.
Despite falling short of his Tour de France goal, Pogačar’s hunger for improvement is evident. “The Tour is always the main target for me,” he admitted, “and I will keep working hard to come back even stronger. There’s always room for improvement, and I think we can learn a lot from every race.” This reflection, rather than signaling disappointment, highlights his commitment to constant development and his belief that there is always more to achieve.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As Pogačar’s ambitions for 2025 take shape, the cycling world eagerly anticipates what he will bring to the table next season. With his team, UAE Team Emirates, continuing to evolve and support his goals, Pogačar’s focus remains on dominating the biggest races, with an eye on winning his third Tour de France title.
For Pogačar, 2025 could be the year that sees him consolidate his legacy even further. Already one of the most successful riders of his generation, he has the potential to cement his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. However, his relentless drive means that he will not rest on his past achievements. “I don’t think about being great,” he said. “I just focus on improving. If you improve every day, the results will come.”
One of Pogačar’s biggest assets is his versatility. Unlike many of his contemporaries, who are often specialists in one discipline—whether that be time trials, mountain stages, or one-day races—Pogačar excels across the board. His ability to contend in both grand tours and one-day races has made him a formidable opponent in every scenario. In 2025, it is expected that he will continue to challenge for victory in the major tours, while also targeting prestigious one-day races like Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he has already demonstrated his pedigree.
Rivalries and Challenges in 2025
The biggest challenge to Pogačar’s ambitions in 2025 will undoubtedly come from Jonas Vingegaard, who has emerged as his primary rival for dominance in the Grand Tours. After winning the Tour de France in 2022 and 2024, Vingegaard has proven to be a formidable force, and his team, Jumbo-Visma, continues to be one of the most powerful in the peloton. However, Pogačar’s team, UAE Team Emirates, is also evolving, and with continued support from his strong squad, Pogačar is more determined than ever to outpace his rivals.
“I know Jonas is a strong rider, but I’m always focused on myself,” Pogačar said when asked about the competition. “I trust my team and my preparation. It’s not about who my rivals are, but about being the best version of myself. If I do that, I can win.”
Conclusion: The Future of Cycling
Looking forward, Tadej Pogačar’s ambitions for 2025 represent a new chapter in his already stellar career. His blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned experience sets him apart as one of the most exciting riders in modern cycling. With his unwavering determination and commitment to constant improvement, Pogačar is ready to take on the world once again and, perhaps, achieve even greater things in 2025. As he prepares for what promises to be another thrilling season, one thing is certain: the world of cycling will be watching closely as Tadej Pogačar seeks to further cement his legacy as one of the sport’s most dominant forces.
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