"He is still the same boy as he used to be" - Tadej Pogacar's childhood friend and carer names one race UAE leader still wants to win
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar's best mate doesn't see much of a difference between the Slovenian from his all-conquering cycling domination to when he was starting out as a child at 10-years-old. Ziga Jerman knows more about the UAE leader than any, and believes he still has one major race he wants to win.
The 28-year-old is chasing an historic sixth Tour de France win next season, an achievement that would put him above the rest as the official record holder for the most yellow jersey wins in history. He's enjoyed the last few years alongside childhood friend Jerman as his masseuse and caretaker during racing.
Compatriot Jerman, a former rider who retired in 2021, had previously predicted Pogacar's rise to prominence - but didn't quite foresee just how strong he would become. He joined UAE Team Emirates-XRG after ending his career at the age of 23 as he decided the demands of training wasn't for him.
“People sometimes don’t realize how much work cyclists do at home. The race is actually the easiest part. The hardest work only begins afterwards, when you have to train every day, eat well, and get enough rest," he told Wielerflits.
"I noticed that I wasn’t getting enough enjoyment out of it. In that case, it’s better to stop at a young age. I thought: I still have a whole life ahead of me. If I can’t be the best cyclist, maybe I can excel in something else.”
Pogacar and childhood friend work together at UAE
Joining UAE and building a bond with Pogacar, the pair are closer than ever as the former world champion enjoys his company to take his mind off the intensity of racing.
“For me, it feels very normal. I’ve known Tadej since we were about ten years old. I don’t see him as the huge star he is today. To me, he is still the same boy as he used to be.
"It also helps that we can talk about other things outside of cycling. Riders are often tired after races, and then it is nice to take their minds off the race for a while. Winning races together only makes our bond even more special.”
Jerman saw Pogacar's rise coming from a mile away, declaring that seeing his preparation and process up close helps him understand why his performances are so strong.
“He was special even as a child"
“He was special even as a child. I knew that he would eventually be the big man in cycling. When I was still racing myself, I was quite nervous when I saw him riding on television.
"Now that I am so close to him, everything feels much more natural. I know the whole process, I know what he does at home and how he feels. Because of that, I look at his performances very differently.”
On the cusp of Tour history, Jerman was quick to point out that Pogacar has unfinished business at the Vuelta a Espana following his abandonment of the race to injury this season.
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“For example, he has never won the Vuelta. There are still races on his list. And he is only 28, so he still has plenty of years ahead of him.
“We have built a great bond together, also outside of cycling. We are best friends. I especially hope that this remains the case. We have known each other since we were little boys. How wonderful would it be if, in 45 or 50 years, as old men, we could still talk about all those experiences together?”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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Brucegel14-11-2026 - I live in Maribor.PogiSloFans14-11-2026
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santiagobenites14-11-2026
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