In a stunning development, two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar has announced his immediate retirement from professional cycling, leaving fans and analysts in disbelief. The 26-year-old Slovenian, widely regarded as one of the most dominant riders of his generation, cited personal reasons and a desire to pursue new challenges outside the sport.
Pogačar, who has been the face of UAE Team Emirates since bursting onto the scene in 2019, made the announcement via social media, stating, “After deep reflection, I have decided to step away from professional cycling. This has been the most incredible journey of my life, but I feel the time is right to explore new opportunities and focus on other passions.”
The decision comes as a shock to the cycling community, given that Pogačar was at the peak of his career, having recently secured victories in prestigious races such as the Giro d’Italia and Liège–Bastogne–Liège. Many expected him to continue battling for Tour de France titles against his rival Jonas Vingegaard for years to come.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support and disbelief. “This is a sad day for cycling. Pogačar is a generational talent, and it’s hard to imagine the sport without him,” one fan wrote. Others speculated on potential reasons behind the abrupt decision, ranging from burnout to possible future ventures in other sports.
His UAE Team Emirates squad issued a statement expressing gratitude for his contributions: “Tadej has been an extraordinary leader and competitor. While we are saddened by his decision, we fully respect and support him in this next chapter of his life.”
Despite his retirement, rumors are already swirling about Pogačar’s next move. Some reports suggest he may transition into coaching, while others believe he could explore mountain biking or gravel racing. There is also speculation about potential ambassadorial roles within cycling, given his immense popularity.
For now, the cycling world must come to terms with the loss of one of its brightest stars. Pogačar’s legacy, however, is firmly cemented—his fearless attacking style, relentless energy, and sportsmanship have left an indelible mark on the sport.
As fans bid farewell to a legend far sooner than expected, one question remains: Could we see Pogačar return to professional racing one day? Only time will
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