TADEJ POGA AR
Meet the Slovenian climber at Ljubljana Gusto Xaurum
Who’s this?
Young Slovenian climber Tadej Pogacar who, at only 19, has already caused a stir in the U23s thanks to a string of consistent results, often against more experienced riders. The teenager rides for Slovenian Conti squad Ljubljana Gusto Xaurum, a team that dates back 70 years in the capital Ljubljana.
What’s he been doing?
It wasn’t just Tadej’s consistency that caught our eye, but also his versatility. As a junior his talent was evident, with a win at the Giro della Lunigiana and bronze medal at the European Junior road race among his 2016 results. Yet it was last season that his potential became clearer.
How so?
He started 2017 with fourth overall at the Istarsko Proljece-Istrian Spring Trophy – a four stage, 2.2ranked race in Croatia – thanks to a strong performance on the mountainous stages. He was also top 10 in the one-day Italian Giro del Belvedere, third in the Slovenian U23 time trial champs, third at the Tour of Hungary and seventh in the U23 Giro di Lombardia. But it was his fifth overall at the Tour of Slovenia last June that really stands out. The then 18-year-old finished just 46 seconds behind winner Rafa¯ Majka, of Bora-Hansgrohe, in a top five that was otherwise made up entirely of WorldTour riders.
How did he do it?
On the final 13-kilometre climb of the decisive third stage he kept his pace steady and didn’t panic when Majka started a series of repeated attacks. It was the kind of tactics you usually see from more experienced riders. At the time, Tadej said: “I think there is still room for improvement – as soon as I lose some weight and get more kilometres in. This will be possible after the school ends.”
What’s next for him?
Tadej started 2018 pretty much where last year left off, and was fifth on his return to racing. He’s been coached by Marko Polanc, former rider and father of UAE Emirates rider Jan, and rumours have been swirling online that the UAE team are already keen to land Tadej’s signature for next season.