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Tadej Pogačar hints at possible retirement in 2028

After a grueling season, Pogačar reflects on his career and future in a recent interview.

July 29, 2025 at 09:46 AM

Pogačar hints at his own cycling mortality after grueling Tour de France campaign, Vuelta a España likely off the calendar.

Tadej Pogačar hints at possible retirement in 2028

Tadej Pogačar, a star of professional cycling, recently shared thoughts on his potential retirement during an interview with L’Equipe. Following his fourth Tour de France victory, he mentioned that while he has no immediate plans to stop racing, he could start considering retirement after the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. At just 26, he expressed a desire to focus on the present rather than dwell on future plans. His recent performances suggest fatigue has begun to impact his racing style as he described feeling exhausted during this year's Tour. Reports indicate he may skip the Vuelta a España to focus on recovery and his mental well-being.

Key Takeaways

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Pogačar hints at considering retirement by 2028 after a demanding racing season.

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He emphasizes the importance of mental and physical health in sports.

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The star rider's current focus is on enjoying his successes rather than stressing about the future.

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Reports suggest he may skip the upcoming Vuelta a España for recovery.

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His statements highlight the common issue of burnout among athletes.

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Pogačar remains a candidate for future victories, implying a slower but strategic approach to racing.

"I don’t think I’ll stop right away, but I don’t see myself continuing for too long either."

Pogačar speaks about his potential retirement timeline after the 2028 Olympics.

"Burnouts happen in sports, in a lot of sports, mental burnout, physical burnout."

Pogačar discusses the pressures athletes face regarding burnout during his career.

Pogačar's recent comments reflect a common reality in sports where even top athletes must confront the limits of their stamina and motivation. His candid acknowledgment of potential burnout sheds light on the often-overlooked mental strain that comes with elite competition. As he weighs his priorities, his words resonate not just with fans, but also with young cyclists who aspire to reach similar heights. This shift in tone signifies a maturation in his career, suggesting that people may soon see a different Pogačar, one who balances ambition with personal wellness.

Highlights

Every athlete faces the reality of burnout at some point.
Pogačar reassures fans he's still motivated to compete.
His candid thoughts on retirement reveal a new perspective.
Excitement for the present fuels Pogačar's next steps.

Concerns over athlete burnout and future performance

Pogačar's acknowledgment of burnout raises questions about the mental health pressures in elite sports. As he contemplates his future, the potential impact on fans and sponsors remains significant.

The future of Pogačar’s career promises to shape the landscape of cycling for years to come.

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tadej pogacar tour de france vuelta a espana professional cycling athlete retirement sports cycling

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