Tadej Pogacar again aims for Roubaix win... With help from F1 driver Sainz? 'Know I'm in good hands'

The big cycling question for 2026 is simple: can Tadej Pogacar get any better than he was last season? The world champion enjoyed what seemed like an untouchable year, but everyone knows the Slovenian phenomenon will do everything he can to push the limits once again. Just before the turn of the year, Pogacar spoke about his drive, his motivation, and what still keeps him so hungry in one of the toughest sports in the world.

“I’ve loved cycling ever since I started racing in 2008,” Pogacar told Sky Sports. “Even when I was riding at the back, I kept thinking about how beautiful this sport is, and I never wanted to stop. Every year things get better; last year was practically perfect, and it will be difficult to top it next season. But I don’t think about that. I enjoy the moment and approach every race the same way: I give my best, we’ll see what the final result is, and the rest doesn’t matter.”

His already impressive palmarès can always be expanded, but Pogacar says he has made peace with his career as it stands. “If, for whatever reason, I had to stop racing today, I would be very happy with what I’ve achieved in my career. I’ve reached a point where I have nothing left to win or lose.”

Whatever his motivation, Pogacar has set himself plenty of goals for the coming season. One thing seems certain: he will not ride all three Grand Tours in the same year. Many fans believe that, if he wanted to, he could win the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España all in one calendar year. But would he ever want to try?

“It’s not easy: besides the 21 stages per race, there’s also all the travel… and it’s too many days away from home,” he laughs. “It’s far more realistic to ride all five Monument Classics in the same season. But never say never – maybe one day I’ll try to ride all the Grand Tours in one year. We’ll see what the future brings.”

One thing he will definitely do is return to Paris-Roubaix. It is one of his biggest goals, especially after his bitter – yet brilliant – experience there this year. “Of course I have great memories from many races, but I want to mention one that I didn’t win and that I rode for the first time in my life: Paris-Roubaix, an indescribable and unique classic.”

Pogacar also had warm words for the special people in his life, and in particular his partner Urska Zigart. “Without her, I think it would have been much harder to achieve my success. I can only thank her enormously for the way we have been there for each other in every phase of our careers and our lives. Simply fantastic.”

Carlos Sainz, too, received a shower of praise. The Spaniard and the Slovenian often ride together and get along well, but Pogacar reveals that Sainz plays a bigger role than many might expect. “A good friend… and a great strategist,” says Pogacar. “I know I’m in good hands for Milano-Sanremo and Roubaix, and that it’s going to be fun!”