Pogačar surprises with his three favorite riders: Van der Poel, Evenepoel, and Vingegaard

Tadej Pogačar has revealed who the riders he admires most in the professional peloton are. Far from choosing one of his teammates, the Slovenian has highlighted three of his main rivals: Mathieu van der Poel, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard. He has also talked about his 2027 calendar and the possibility of working for Brandon McNulty, the new world champion.

Pogačar points out the three cyclists he admires most in the peloton and surprises with his plans for 2027

The statements were made this Saturday, October 31, during a virtual ride organized by MyWhoosh, where Pogačar shared training with fans from around the world and answered their questions live.

The meeting gathered more than 10,000 participants and allowed for some insights from the five-time Tour de France winner outside the usual context of post-race interviews.

Pogačar chooses Van der Poel, Evenepoel, and Vingegaard: "They always deliver"

When one of the participants asked him about his favorite cyclist in the current peloton, Pogačar avoided sticking to just one name.

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"I admire many riders who are currently competing. The level of the peloton is very high. But I especially admire Mathieu van der Poel, Remco, and Jonas, for how determined they are to achieve great things and because they always deliver," explained the Slovenian.

His words are particularly significant because the three riders have been some of his most important adversaries in recent years.

Vingegaard was the one who managed to defeat him in the Tours de France of 2022 and 2023, while Van der Poel has become one of his main rivals in the major classics. Evenepoel, for his part, has had numerous confrontations with the Slovenian, especially in time trials.

Pogačar also wanted to acknowledge the work of other specialists: "I also admire some sprinters who take risks in finishes. I have a lot of respect for many riders in the peloton."

Pogačar could work for McNulty in 2027

Another of the most interesting responses featured Brandon McNulty, Pogačar's teammate at UAE Team Emirates-XRG and world champion in Montreal 2026.

The American has worked on numerous occasions for Pogačar's objectives, but the Slovenian does not rule out reversing those roles during the next season.

"Brandon really deserved that victory. He has worked so hard throughout his career and, of course, he has also worked a lot to achieve my goals in the past."

And he added: "There is a possibility that the roles could be reversed and I help Brandon in some races so that the rainbow jersey can shine."

This would not be a completely new situation. In the GP of Montreal in 2025, Pogačar already ceded the victory to McNulty after both arrived together at the finish line.

Three options on the table for his 2027 calendar

During the same conversation, Pogačar acknowledged that he still does not have his competition program for 2027 completely decided.

"There are about three options I can follow. The team has presented me with three alternatives for my calendar, but it is an important decision.", he explained.

The Slovenian did not specify what those alternatives are nor confirmed which classics or grand tours he will compete in.

He also talked about the possibility of competing someday in gravel. Although he acknowledged that his current calendar barely leaves him time to incorporate new disciplines, he assured that he would like to try it in competition in the future.

For now, Pogačar continues to prepare for his return to competition in 2027, a season in which he will once again meet the same riders he has just pointed out as some of those he admires most in the peloton.