Tadej Pogacar

Tadej Pogačar - or Pogi, as he's affectionately known - has quickly established himself as one of the defining riders of his generation, blending climbing brilliance, time trial power and all-around flair to win the sport’s biggest prizes. Born in Slovenia in 1998, he has gone on to win three Tour de France titles, the Giro d’Italia, the World Championships road race, and several Monument Classics.

Pogačar grew up in Komenda, Slovenia, and began cycling competitively at a young age. By 2013, he was already being tipped as a future star. His breakout came in 2018 when he won the Tour de l’Avenir, a key proving ground for Grand Tour hopefuls. That earned him a place at UAE Team Emirates, where he turned professional in 2019.

In his debut Grand Tour at the 2019 Vuelta a España, Pogačar stunned the cycling world. At just 20 years old, he won three stages and finished third overall. His attacking style and fearlessness in the mountains signaled the arrival of a new force in cycling.

In 2020, Pogačar won the Tour de France on his first attempt, overturning a time deficit in a dramatic final time trial. He was the youngest post-war Tour winner. He followed that up with a commanding victory in 2021, also adding Liège–Bastogne–Liège and Il Lombardia to his growing palmarès.

Pogačar finished second in the Tour behind Jonas Vingegaard in both 2022 and 2023, sparking one of modern cycling’s most compelling rivalries. In 2024, he responded emphatically: winning the Giro d’Italia, reclaiming the Tour de France, and taking gold at the World Championships - becoming only the third male rider ever to complete cycling’s Triple Crown.

Beyond the stage races, Pogačar has become a dominant force in the Classics. By 2025, he had won nine Monuments, including multiple victories at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Il Lombardia, and the Tour of Flanders. In spring 2025, he added Strade Bianche, Flèche Wallonne, and another Liège title, as well as podiums in San Remo and Roubaix.

Tadej Pogačar is in a long-term relationship with Urška Žigart, a fellow Slovenian and professional cyclist who rides for AG Insurance-Soudal Team. The couple reportedly began dating in 2019, around the time both were making their breakthroughs in the elite peloton. While they are not married, their relationship has grown steadily over the years and they are often seen supporting each other at races and training camps.

Based in Monaco, the couple share a life rooted in cycling but filled with humour and normalcy. Pogačar often calls Žigart his “greatest support,” and their playful dynamic regularly shines through on social media. Whether celebrating victories or enjoying off-season rides, they’ve become one of the sport’s most admired couples.

With an estimated salary of €8 million per year, Pogačar is the highest-paid rider in the peloton. In addition to his contract with UAE Emirates-XRG, he earns extra income through deals with Plume (tech), Look (pedals), Met (helmets), DMT (shoes), I feel Slovenia (tourism) and Richard Mille (watch).

• Youngest post-WWII Tour de France winner (2020)
• Triple Crown winner: Giro, Tour and Worlds in one season (2024)
• First Slovenian men’s World Champion on the road
• Longest streak as UCI World No.1 in modern rankings

With a contract at UAE Team Emirates through 2030, Pogačar shows no signs of slowing down. Whether it’s a fourth Tour, Olympic gold in Paris 2026, or finally winning Paris–Roubaix, one thing is certain: he is far from finished. A generational talent, already a legend, still in his prime.