A Spring of Monumental Success and Pure Enjoyment

Tadej Pogačar’s spring campaign has been nothing short of stunning, marked by both resounding victories and a palpable sense of enjoyment. The Slovenian cyclist capped off his Classics season with a dominant performance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège 2025, bringing his total of Monument wins to an remarkable nine. This victory underscores his position as one of the sport’s leading figures, capable of blending fierce competition with genuine enthusiasm.

Currently, Pogačar is taking a well-deserved break before heading to Sierra Nevada for high-altitude training in readiness for the Tour de France 2025. During this time, he shared his thoughts with dirécvelo, offering insights into his mindset and approach to racing.

I am often asked if I am aware of writing the story or if I no what it means for me, but as I say every time, I’m not trying to write the story, I just want to have fun. I just want to have fun by bicycle: it’s the only thing I want to do.
Tadej Pogačar, Dirécvelo

This sentiment, while seemingly simple, encapsulates Pogačar’s philosophy. His daring attacks,often launched from considerable distances,exemplify his commitment to an aggressive and entertaining style of racing. While this approach can sometimes lead to near misses, such as at the Amstel Gold Race 2025 were he narrowly missed completing the Ardennes triptych, it also showcases his unwavering desire to animate the race and push his limits.

Paris-Roubaix Debut: A Memorable Experience

Pogačar’s debut at Paris-Roubaix was another highlight of his spring campaign.Despite a strong second-place finish, a minor mishap in a corner highlighted his willingness to take risks and embrace the challenge of the iconic cobbled classic.

Of course the victories are always memorable, but I must admit that if there is one thing that stands out in this spring it is the first experience at the Parigi-Roubix. It was something that I never imagined I could make. More generally, I will have a very beautiful memory of this spring, this is sure. It was perfect and I am very happy with how it went.
Tadej Pogačar, Dirécvelo

Even without a victory at paris-roubaix, the experience clearly left a lasting impression on Pogačar, further solidifying his appreciation for the sport and his desire to explore new challenges.

Future Plans: Balancing Ambition and Recovery

Looking ahead, Pogačar acknowledges the need for strategic planning and careful consideration of his race schedule.He recognizes that attempting to replicate his demanding spring campaign while also targeting the Giro d’Italia might potentially be unsustainable.

if I want to do the Giro d’Italia it is elaborate to imagine doing all Classic As I did this year. with the spring I just had, if I had to go to Pink race I would probably come home after a week. There is always a need to have moments of recovery, periods of relaxation with the family and with less cycling, so as not to explode mentally. I can’t imagine repeating this scheme every year: it seems very complicated to me.
Tadej Pogačar, Dirécvelo

This statement reflects a growing awareness among professional cyclists of the importance of mental and physical well-being.The intense demands of modern cycling require athletes to prioritize recovery and avoid burnout. Pogačar’s willingness to adapt his schedule demonstrates a mature approach to his career and a commitment to long-term success.

Financial Rewards: Pogačar Leads the Spring Earnings

Beyond the victories and personal satisfaction, Pogačar’s triumphant spring campaign also translated into notable financial rewards. According to calculations by The Laastse News, he earned approximately €107,000 during the spring season, a ample portion of his total earnings of €134,000 from UAE Team Emirates-XRG.

This figure places him well ahead of his rivals in terms of spring earnings. Mathieu van der Poel reportedly earned €71,000, while Mads Pedersen took home €52,000. Filippo Ganna (€15,000), Jonathan Milan (€12,000), and Giulio Ciccone (€10,000) were the highest-earning Italian cyclists during the same period.

These figures highlight the financial incentives that drive professional cycling, while also underscoring Pogačar’s dominance in the sport.