Tadej Pogačar on Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Boonen, but also kiwi/pineapple, visualisation and the Gravel World Championships

Matt Smithson, Director of Esports & Game Operations at MyWhoosh, was pleased with the event. Due to the large number of participants, the start even had to be delayed by 15 minutes. “We were incredibly happy to organize Tadej’s community ride today and to see such a large turnout. This allowed us to make a $10,000 donation to his foundation.”

What does it mean to you to ride live with MyWhoosh?
“Well, I actually just started training again two weeks ago to get back in shape a bit. And this community ride also helps a little to break up the training routine—and to do something fun and different. So yeah, we decided to do this this week, and I really enjoyed riding on the rollers on my patio today.”

How did your crash in the Vuelta change your opinion about safety in races?
“My crash actually doesn’t have much to do with safety in races. It was just an accident during the race. But we’ve been asking ourselves this question for a long time: whether our races are safe enough, including for future generations. And whether the races are well-organized and prepared for the high speeds we reach.”

Will you support Brandon McNulty in 2027?
“There’s definitely still some work to be done in that regard, absolutely. The most important thing is that we’re all happy the rainbow jersey is staying within the team. Brandon really deserved this victory. He’s worked so hard his entire career. And of course, he’s also worked hard for my goals in the past. So yes, now there’s a chance the roles will be reversed and I’ll help Brandon in some races so the jersey can shine.'

What does your season look like? Are you planning to race the classics?
“There are about three options I can go with. The team has given me three options for my schedule, but it’s a big decision. So yeah, I think I still need some time to really figure out what I want to do next year. I think the final decision will be made in December, when we have another training camp.”

"But there's definitely a good chance I'll return to the classics, as well as the UAE Tour. And of course the Tour de France—I don't need to beat around the bush about that. We'll see. But I think the final decision will be made during training camp in December, when the whole team is together."

What do you think of this year’s Tour de France route?
“I haven’t looked at much of the route yet. I wasn’t at the presentation. Because, well, the Tour always lasts three weeks, after all. And there are always big mountains, flat stages, treacherous stages, some echelon stages, and time trials. So there’s always a bit of everything. I’ve ridden seven Tours now, so it doesn’t really matter which cities host the start or finish. It’s always more or less the same—and it’s the toughest race in the world. So you just have to be prepared for anything.”

Who is your favorite rider in the peloton right now?
“I don’t know. I really admire a lot of the riders competing right now. The field is very strong. But I really admire Mathieu van der Poel, Remco, and Jonas. They’re so determined to achieve great things. And they always deliver. But then again, I also admire some of the sprinters who take risks in the final stages. So yes, I have a lot of respect for many riders in the peloton.'

What are your favorite places to train?
“To be honest, around Monaco, I think. We have good weather there all winter long. And most of our training is done in the winter anyway. But I actually enjoy a lot of different training spots. In Slovenia, in my hometown. I really enjoy going there to go for a few KOMs or tackle some short, steep climbs. And where Urška is from is one of my favorite training areas in Slovenia. It’s close to Maribor, because they have everything there and there isn’t too much traffic. So I really enjoy training there.

In the past, I’ve been to Tenerife to train—that was one of my favorite places, too. And before the Tour, we always go to the Sierra Nevada. It can be a little boring at times, but if you’re preparing for the Tour de France, I think it’s the best place to train. So yes, there are lots of places around the world where I’ve really enjoyed training so far. And there are still many places I’d love to explore by bike.'

If you could ride with someone from the past, who would it be?
“Among the pros… I don’t know. I think I came close to riding with Contador. And Cancellara, Tom Boonen. I think I would have liked to race against that generation in today’s races. But I wouldn’t go any further back in time than that. No.”

What do you like to eat for breakfast before a ride?
"I love pineapple, kiwis, blueberries, and mango for breakfast. And for my main breakfast dish, I have oatmeal. It’s super easy to make, very simple, and it’s filling. So whether I have a short ride or a long ride ahead of me, I eat more or less the same thing. So today’s breakfast was the same. Just a bit quicker, because I’m not really a morning person. I like to sleep in until around 8:30 or even 9:00. But today I had to be on my bike by 8:30. So it was a slightly quicker breakfast. But still oatmeal with some Skyr yogurt. Just the usual."

Which races motivate you, and would you ever race on gravel?
“Yes, my calendar is pretty full with major races. But gravel racing is becoming incredibly popular. I attended the first Gravel World Championships as a spectator and really enjoyed the event as a fan. But I don’t really have much time during the year to also compete in gravel races and qualify for the World Championships. Still, I do think I’ll compete in gravel races in the future. I can’t say yet when or where, but I definitely want to give it a try in the future.”

Would you ever participate in esports events?
“Not really, at least not for now, because it’s just so grueling. I have enormous respect for people who train a lot indoors and ride MyWhoosh a lot. I think it’s just mentally super tough. For me, it’s simply too much of a struggle. My body also sweats a lot indoors—I already have a whole puddle under me even though we’re taking it easy. So I don’t think I’m really cut out for esports on a bike. But I’ll always support it, and I watch the races. It’s a great way to race, and it’s safer than racing on the road. But for me, it’s just not for me right now.'

Do you use visualization before a race, and do you have any specific techniques?
“I think I do use visualization, but I’ve never really thought about it in terms of actually doing it. It’s somehow in my subconscious. I often visualize right before I go to bed at night, the night before a race. I get a little nervous then and think about the race: all the things that could go right. I never think about the negative side, so I always imagine a positive outcome for the race. I think that actually helps a lot. But I never do it in a really structured way. I just enjoy it, dream about winning races… I think this is something that comes naturally to me, and I’m grateful to my brain for working this way.’

Do you have any advice for beginner cyclists?
“The best advice I’ve ever received was: if you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll always get results, no matter what happens. If you’re having a good time and enjoying yourself, you can train a lot and always race hard. But if you don’t enjoy what you’re doing—even outside of cycling—then everything starts to fall apart. So you have to enjoy it and, of course, work hard toward the goals you set, which is also very important. You have to set goals—that’s it. The rest will follow naturally. And of course, you need to dedicate time to everything you do that you want to succeed at, and you have to work hard. So always keep going and never give up.'