The Ascent of Tadej Pogačar: From Slovenian Hills to the Pinnacle of Cycling

In the heart of Slovenia, nestled among verdant hills and winding roads, the village of Komenda is where Tadej Pogačar’s story begins. Born on September 21, 1998, Tadej was the youngest of three siblings in a family that cherished the outdoors. His parents, Mirko and Marjeta, were avid cyclists themselves, and it wasn’t long before their passion was passed on to Tadej.

A Bicycle and a Dream

At the age of nine, Tadej received his first bicycle, a modest hand-me-down from his older brother. From the moment he swung his leg over the saddle, a love affair with cycling began. The hills of Komenda became his playground, where he would race against the wind, dreaming of the races he watched on television.

One summer, during a local cycling event, Tadej caught the eye of a coach from the Rog Ljubljana Cycling Club. Impressed by his natural talent and determination, the coach invited him to join their junior team. It was here that Tadej’s journey to greatness truly began.

Rising Through the Ranks

Training with Rog Ljubljana, Tadej’s potential blossomed. He quickly rose through the ranks, winning local races and gaining national recognition. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he won the prestigious Tour de l’Avenir, a race known for showcasing future stars of cycling.