"I am already counting the years I have left": Pogacar hints at his retirement again and gives a date

Tadej Pogacar has once again hinted that his career as a professional cyclist may not last much longer. The Slovenian, who has just conquered his fourth Tour de France, has admitted that he has been thinking for some time about the moment to hang up his bike, and although without setting a specific date, he already has a milestone in mind after which he could start thinking about his retirement.

Tadej Pogacar speaks for the second time about an early retirement

It was right after the Tour when Pogacar said he could be burnt out and if he had to leave cycling he would be happy with what he has already achieved. Now, during his own post-Tour criterium in Komenda, his hometown, Pogačar commented:

“I am counting the years I have left until retirement. I started winning very young and since then everything has gone well. Every season we train harder, so I also feel like thinking about a future without a bike. It may sound funny, but the career of an elite athlete is not very long. I have a few years left to enjoy the level I am at now”.

As we have already mentioned, it was after the Tour, when he pointed out that the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics could be a turning point in his career:

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“I don't think I will retire immediately, but I also don't see myself competing much longer. The Los Angeles Games are one of my goals; then maybe I will start thinking about quitting”.

Pogačar is aware that his performance will not last forever, and he also spoke about his decision to skip the Vuelta and his next big goal of the year:

“At some point this level will drop and there will be seasons without victories. I am prepared for whatever comes and that is why I value every moment. When the day comes, you have to know how to say thank you and say goodbye to competition at the highest level”.

“After such a demanding Tour, it was best to rest. The Vuelta is special to me, I have great memories from 2019, but my body needed a break. The races in Canada are beautiful and they help me prepare for the World Championships”.

For now, his retirement is still on the horizon, but his words once again fuel the feeling that this talent could say goodbye sooner than expected. In the meantime, he will continue adding chapters to an already legendary career.