Pogacar pays tribute to 'idol and mentor' Mezgec and reflects on missing home Europeans

Tadej Pogaċar paid tribute to Luka Mezgec as the Slovenian lined up for the final race of his career on home soil at the European Championships, while also offering a glimpse of his feelings about being unable to defend his title.

Pogačar spoke to CyclingProNet during Sunday’s elite men’s road race in Slovenia, unable to defend his title after his season-ending crash at the Vuelta a España in August.

He paid tribute to his compatriot Mezgec after a career that has seen him win 19 times, including a stage of the Giro d’Italia in 2014, one which has a special meaning to Pogačar also. 

“Luka has been a big part of my career,” Pogačar told CyclingProNet. “I was at the biggest win of his career, when I was maybe 15 years old, in the Giro [d’Italia] in Trieste.”

“Since then he was kind of my idol and mentor on the national team, and I learned a lot from him, and he has had a really amazing career.”

Mezgec was given a guard of honour before the race and then featured in the early breakaway in his final outing as a professional. 

Pogačar highlighted the qualities of Mezgec as a teammate and how he should serve as a role model for an aspiring generation of riders. 

“I think a lot of young cyclists should aim to have a career like him as a leadout man and a helper, and a road captain in the team,” he said. “To be here with him today, it’s really nice, and I’m honoured to be sitting next to him.”

With the road race coming too soon for Pogačar, he was asked about the frustration of missing out on a home championship and what it feels like to watch from the outside. 

It's a feeling that is similarly shared by Urška Žigart (AG Insurance-Soudal) after suffering a fractured jaw.

“Even yesterday when we were watching the women’s race, Urška was like, ‘damn, I should be there,’” said Pogačar. 

“Especially as she’s been feeling super good, so it’s tough when you have good shape to look at the race and know that you could be part of it.”

Meanwhile, Pogačar explained that his own condition is at a very different stage, having only been back riding outdoors for a week. 

“Today, I’m here, now riding my bike for one week outside and I know my shape is kind of really bad, and I don’t wish to be riding out today,” he said. “One week or two weeks ago, I would have been really eager to be at the start.”

Pogačar then watched on as Remco Evenepoel overcame a crash to pip Giulio Ciccone to the title in a photo finish at the very last.