Pogacar’s agent Carera responds to KuCoin criticism and reveals use of sponsorship money

Speaking on the Domestique Hotseat, Carera addressed the growing trend of crypto companies entering sports sponsorships, citing examples like the Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto team and compared it to historical sponsors in cycling, from cigarette brands decades ago to modern energy drinks. 

“Many, many crypto companies are sponsoring cycling and sponsoring sport in general, football teams, in the NBA, in cycling now,” Carera said on the Domestique Hotseat. “For example, the first crypto company sponsoring cycling is not KuCoin, but it's Zondacrypto for the Canyon team.”

“Twenty to thirty years ago in the sport, there were many cigarette companies sponsoring, or alcohol brands. 10 years ago, there were many bad companies, and five years ago and now, energy drinks also.”

Pogačar's deal with KuCoin has drawn some public concerns and criticisms due to the platform's history. For example, according to reports, US authorities also alleged the platform processed more than 9 billion dollars in illicit and criminal transactions between 2017 and 2024, and the case ended with KuCoin agreeing to pay a 300 million dollar penalty and to withdraw from the US market for two years, while two founders paid fines and stepped away under deferred prosecution agreements.

Carera stated that the World Champion doesn’t need the money personally and revealed the charitable destination of Pogačar’s earnings from his own personal sponsors, including that of KuCoin.

“But I want to also say that we have accepted this sponsorship because, for Tadej’s private sponsors, he uses the money not for himself but to help the new generation of athletes and, in general, the people. Because he gave all the money to the Pogi team,” stated Carera. 

“The Pogi team is based in Slovenia with 200 children. Tadej Pogačar pays the employees from his pocket. He pays all costs. He gives helmets, clothes and gives everything.”

“And the second part, they give the money to the Tadej Pogačar Foundation. He created it with Urška [Žigart] three years ago after Urška’s mother passed away. The foundation gives this money to the hospital to help people fight against cancer.”

The Italian agent has been with Pogačar since the start of his career, and he described the World Champion as having a “big heart” and highlighted Pogačar’s charitable nature, ever since he won his first Tour de France. 

“I think that Tadej has a big heart, and the most important thing is that he doesn't need this money. He wants to help other people who need more than him, and it's our priority,” said Carera. “It's been the priority of Tadej since 2020, after his victory in the Tour de France, he decided first of all to start the Pogi team.”

“Now in 2026, Tadej is the owner of the PogChamp team, the Pika team for the girls, and the Tadej PogChamp Foundation. He's also created the PogChamp Challenge and the PogChamp Criterium,” said Carera. “Every initiative is to create, to help cycling, to have more funds, to give the opportunity to the children.”

Highlighting how important an aspect of charity is in Pogačar’s busy life, Carera shared an anecdote of how the World Champion was quickly on the go after winning a record-breaking fourth Strade Bianche to attend an event.

“The day after Strade Bianche is a big example. It finishes around 5, and at 8 he takes a flight to Ljubljana because there’s a charity event. During that event, people donate roughly 50,000 to 60,000 euros, and all the money goes to the foundation and the team. And this is the typical day of Tadej: to give something back to the people because he doesn’t need this money."

Naturally, with the nature of the KuCoin sponsorship, there has been criticism, which Carera understands to an extent, but he explained how the public views the situation through an outside lens.

“People post bad comments or criticism because they see only one part of the story. Okay, I agree if I sign the contracts, take the money, and they spend it to buy a new car. In this case, we accept the critics,” said Carera. 

“But if we receive the money, not for us, but to give to the people in need, it’s different. If you don't accept this money, then nothing goes to the people who need it. It's a bit like Robin Hood," he explained

“People don't always know the full story because we don't like to shout, "I take the money to give to those in need." Charity should be done quietly. Otherwise, you get criticism anyway; some say you're doing it just to look like a good guy."

Listen to the full Hotseat podcast with Alex Carera👇