Jakob Omrzel, Slovenia’s next big talent, on learning from Pogacar without copying him

The young rider from Novo Mesto made his mark in his first U23 season with results most riders can only dream of. “The main goal was the Giro Next Gen, and we achieved it,” he said. “Other races went well too, like the national championships, races in Italy, and the Tour of Slovenia and Croatia. When I look back, it was more than a successful season.”

Omrzel will step up to Bahrain Victorious next year as Slovenian champion, proudly wearing the national colours. “It’s a special feeling and a big motivation. You know you’re there for a reason,” he said. “It gives you confidence and pushes you to give your best.”

Not everything went smoothly, though. At the Tour de l’Avenir, he finished 13th, below his expectations. “Moments of disappointment are the most important in sport,” Omrzel reflected. “When everything goes well, nothing feels hard. But when it doesn’t, that’s when you learn the most.”

He admits that finding form twice in one season is tough. “Tour de l’Avenir came a bit too soon after the Giro,” he explained. “I wasn’t in top shape, but later in the season, things turned around. I felt great at Worlds and even better at the Tour of Croatia.”

Omrzel credits his trainer Alessio Mattiussi for keeping him grounded through the ups and downs. “He’s my balance,” he said. “In moments when I might overthink things, he calms me down and puts everything in perspective.”

As he joins the WorldTour, Omrzel plans to stay patient. “I’m only 20 next year. I don’t think there’s any harm in waiting,” he said. “If I want a long and quality career, it’s better to focus on one-week races now rather than rushing into Grand Tours.”

He will join his longtime friend Žak Eržen at Bahrain Victorious, making the transition easier. “We grew up racing together, and having him in the team means a lot,” he said. “It’s easier when you have people you trust around you.”

Despite the comparisons, Omrzel doesn’t want to be seen as the new Pogačar. “I’d like the world to know me as Jakob Omrzel, not as a copy of someone else,” he said. “But there’s a lot I can learn from Tadej, from his discipline and his dedication. He’s not the best in the world just because of talent, but because he gives everything to cycling. That’s what I try to follow.”

With a calm head and a clear plan, Omrzel is preparing for his next climb. “Better to build step by step,” he said, “than to skip one and fall later.”