Moves like Sagan: Former world champion becomes a rock star in Slovakian dance show

When he first became a professional cyclist, everyone knew he was different. Peter Sagan's performances and antics always made headlines during races. But he was also a real character off the bike. Now that he has retired, he is still doing wacky things. For example, he participated in the Slovakian dance program 'Let's Dance' and made a great impression!

In January, it was announced that the three-time world champion would be participating in the show. "I'm ready to swap the bicycle for the dance floor!" the 34-year-old Sagan said on Instagram. "It's my pleasure to announce that I'm about to start a new adventure and participate in Let's Dance. Stay tuned. Soon, you can see me switch from sprinting to disco." Last year, the cycling adventure was over after a venture with the Pierre Baguette team. Followers of the former cyclist could already keep track of her development to some extent, but a real dance show was yet to come.

"When I received an offer to be part of Let's Dance, my first reaction was definitely 'no!!!'" he said. "That's because I've never danced, and I couldn't imagine I could. At the same time, this offer came at the right time, as I have closed the sporting chapter and can devote myself to the preparation practically fully. I wouldn't go in without enough time to train," said Sagan, who named Patrick Swayze (known from Dirty Dancing) as his dance idol.

He is not the first cyclist to attempt a dance show: Mario Cipollini (2005), Michael Rasmussen (2010), Bernhard Kohl (2021), and Nicolas Roche (2022) participated in their respective home countries.

The difference between cycling and dancing was huge, as the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix winner noticed. While training for his performance, he already said it was particularly physically disappointing. "Even from cycling, my calves have never hurt this much," he confessed. But gradually, he managed to prepare himself for the big moment. That moment came on Sunday evening: Sagan was ready to swing.

He has always had the vibe of a rock star. But he showed it even more clearly on the dance floor. He rocked his socks off to the tune of Elvis Presley's Hound Dog. Swinging his hips, beautiful footwork, and loads of self-confidence, it all came together. He may have stopped cycling, but he might have a bright future in dancing.