"He is no different than Nadal in tennis, Michael Jordan in basketball, or Tiger Woods in golf" - Tadej Pogacar cycling's biggest icon says superstar agent

The most complete rider of his generation, Tadej Pogacar can win almost any race you put in front of him. According to the UAE Team Emirates leader's superstar agent Alex Carera, Pogacar is also the biggest star in the entire sport.

"Nowadays, he is no different than Nadal in tennis, Michael Jordan in basketball, or Tiger Woods in golf," Carera says in conversation with Portuguese Cycling Magazine. "He has the same impact in cycling, because he’s not only the best, he’s also close to the fans and the kids. What we saw during the last Giro, giving his jersey to Giulio Pellizzari or giving his bottle to the kids in the Astana jersey, shows his great impact in our sport, because many fans love him, and many riders also love him. I think that he is very popular also because he has a big smile all the time; he is happy on the bike and he loves this sport."

Pogacar has certainly managed to strike a chord with supporters throughout his time in the peloton, with his constant smile, enthusiastic attitude and infectiously positive demeanour keeping the fans onside despite his dominance. Given his immense success however, surely Carera has a somewhat easy job in terms of managing Pogacar's affairs.

"My first job is to help him stay focused on the win, without many obligations to sponsors and the media. It’s my role, and I need to work it," he explains. "Nowadays, every time that he starts a race he wants to win it, so he will try to win the Tour also. It’s a great challenge, not easy for sure, but I’m also sure that he will fight for the yellow jersey. Last year, he had a big injury in Liège, but he worked hard, and in the end, he won 3 stages and got on the podium. For sure, the upcoming Tour de France will be a great event for all fans, and I want to invite everyone to follow the Tour de France!"

There is also talk of a new, bumper contract with UAE Team Emirates, although Carera isn't quite so open about these rumours. "We have been in discussions for many months regarding why he wants to sign the contract. Maybe we can find a solution before the Tour, or after the Tour, but it’s not our priority," he concludes. "Our priority is that all parties, all staff and riders around, are happy [with him] in the team, and that the team is happy with him."