The Resilience of Tadej Pogačar: A Look at His Career's Turning Point
In the 2023 Tour de France, Tadej Pogačar faced a brutal defeat on the Col de la Loze, a moment that revealed his inner resilience, according to UAE management. Pogačar's words, 'I'm gone, I'm dead,' echoed through cycling as one of the toughest moments of his career, marking the moment he definitively lost the race.
During the interminable Alpine descent, Pogačar lost seven minutes to the race favorites, ending his hopes of a third Tour de France victory in four years. However, Pogačar's resilience was evident in his subsequent success. He went on to win two more Tours in 2024 and 2025, solidifying his status as one of the greatest racers of his generation.
Some claim Pogačar is approaching the level of domination and success of all-time great Eddy Merckx. With four Tours and a Giro d'Italia under his belt, Pogačar's potential was further highlighted in an interview with Gianetti, who suggested he could have won the 2019 Vuelta had he not been chased down by Movistar.
The most striking moment in the interview was Gianetti's argument that Pogačar's moment of exhaustion on the Col de la Loze in 2023 was the high point of his career. Gianetti emphasized Pogačar's determination, stating that he could have quit, cried, or shown his inability to continue, but instead, he chose to battle on.
Recalling their first meeting in 2018, Gianetti noted Pogačar's talent on the climbs and his personality, which reminded him of Swiss tennis great Roger Federer. This comparison highlights Pogačar's mental fortitude and determination, similar to Federer's unwavering focus.
While Pogačar's 2019 Vuelta a España performance was a pinnacle, his losses to Jonas Vingegaard in 2022 and 2023 made him stronger. Gianetti attributed this to Pogačar's ability to repeat rewards, suggesting that his defeat was a turning point rather than a wake-up call.
The team's realization that they needed to invest more in their time trial bike and improve Pogačar's position on it was a crucial moment. This led to a more focused approach, with Pogačar's participation in fewer Classics in 2025 and 2026 to prioritize his goals.
Pogačar's upcoming schedule includes Strade Bianche, followed by the four Monuments, before his debut at the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse. This strategic planning showcases his commitment to a balanced approach to racing, ensuring he can maintain his dominance in the sport.
