Why Pogacar (who turned his Euros jersey into a training kit) doesn't need to worry about his wallet

The vast financial differences between WorldTour teams are increasingly being pointed out. There is therefore plenty of talk about a salary cap, but Slovenian rider Tadej Pogacar doesn’t appear to have to worry about his wallet. He is busy with other things — such as finally wearing his European champion’s jersey.

In an Instagram video, Pogacar posted a stylish compilation of his recent weeks. It included a funfair visit with his partner Urška Žigart, a running session and some training footage. There we saw Pogacar finally wearing the blue-white jersey. He paired it, by the way, with his rainbow-shorts from the World Championships. 

Because Pogacar won both titles, he won’t be allowed to wear the European champion’s jersey in action in 2026. According to UCI rules the rainbow jersey has priority, and the jerseys may not be combined. The Slovenian thus has to settle for a few training rides in the blue-white jersey. The combination with the rainbow shorts cannot be prohibited.

Pogacar was dominant, but his team UAE Team Emirates‑XRG certainly was too. The financial fire-power of the team raises many questions: shouldn’t there be a salary cap? It’s an issue taken very seriously, even by UCI-President David Lappartient. In an interview with Ouest France he revealed that the idea will be a tough sell.

He revealed that a proposal had already been on the table. "We have considered implementing a budget cap for all teams, and paradoxically the teams did not accept that,” the Frenchman said. “I was surprised that it was especially the smaller teams who refused. I think they were wrong, because it seems necessary to level the competition."

The president of the International Cycling Union is disappointed with the smaller teams, who blocked the proposal. "Why would you vote against it if a budget cap is proposed? They say yes, but first the cycling model has to change. With a salary cap, you would have to pay a tax that went to other teams if you exceeded the limit."

He expressed disappointment over the disappearance of Arkéa–B&B Hotels, but also saw positive developments in French cycling: “If you see that CMA-CGM is collaborating with Decathlon, that’s good news, especially because they are entering a long-term commitment; it means that cycling is drawing attention.”