Tadej Pogačar

Tadej Pogačar, born on September 21, 1998, in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is a remarkable professional cyclist who currently rides for the UCI WorldTeam UAE Team Emirates XRG. Known affectionately as 'Pogi', he has established himself as one of the greatest cyclists in history, with an impressive record that includes four Tours de France victories in 2020, 2021, 2024, and 2025, as well as the 2024 Giro d'Italia.

Pogačar's prowess extends beyond stage races; he has claimed twelve one-day Monuments, including a victory at Milan–San Remo, three wins at the Tour of Flanders, three at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and five at Giro di Lombardia. His talent in time-trialing, one-day classics, and grand-tour climbing has drawn comparisons to cycling legends like Eddy Merckx and Bernard Hinault.

In a historic achievement, Pogačar became only the third male cyclist to secure the Triple Crown of Cycling in 2024, joining the ranks of Merckx and Roche by winning the Giro, the Tour, and the World Championships in the same year. He uniquely accomplished this feat alongside two Monument wins, solidifying his status in the sport.

Born in Ljubljana and raised in Klanec, Pogačar's journey began as a successful junior rider, winning the 2018 Tour de l'Avenir. At just twenty years old, he made headlines as the youngest cyclist to win a UCI World Tour race at the Tour of California. His debut at the Tour de France in 2020 was nothing short of spectacular, as he clinched three stages and the overall title, along with the mountains and young-rider classifications, a feat no other rider has achieved simultaneously.

With a distinctive attacking style, Pogačar has been praised for his aggressive racing approach, which he humorously refers to as a 'stupid instinct.' His ambition to excel in both Monuments and Grand Tours has been likened to a revival of classic bike racing from the 1960s to 1980s. His remarkable consistency has led him to hold the UCI road racing world No. 1 ranking for a record number of weeks, showcasing his dominance in the sport.