"He was the only one at that level, the level of a true world star" Renaat Schotte on what made Peter Sagan an unique rider

Peter Sagan the former triple time road cycling World Champion is going to leave the elite road races after this season. The Slovakian announced that he will be focusing on the Olympic Games at the category of Mountain Bike. With this the TotalEnergies rider is going to end his career after 15 years racing as a pro.

According to cycling expert Renaat Schotte “His professional seriousness was never absent, but the pressure to score publicity was so high. It is not and was not easy to be Sagan. He was the only one at that level, the level of a true world star. He managed to transcend the course", he said to Sporza.

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And the fact is that Sagan despite his relaxed nature, not only dominated the spirits but also the classics being a very versatile rider capable of adapting to almost all terrains. But then it appears another generation of riders led by the likes of Wout Van Aert and Mathieu Van der Poel who not only outmatched the Slovakian on the races but also have a very distinct mentality.

"He had grown mentally tired”, stated Schotte referring to the extra pressure that was put on him. He was also very different from this new younger talents, Sagan is a very cheerful person and relaxed, a clear contrast to Wout Van Aert and Mathieu Van der Poel. Who are very focused and even less talkative riders, who don't have the same charisma Sagan has with the fans and media.

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One thing is certain, Sagan did a little revolution not only on the bike but also on the mic. The way he talked to the media was something that really got the attention of many and made him even more of a superstar that he already is.

“Sagan remains a figure and the way he deals with public and press remains an absolute example for me. He became a super rider who everyone wanted something from. I have always been charmed by Peter Sagan, even if his smiles and jokes had become too institutionalized in recent years. I keep repeating that Sagan was a textbook example, even if he was sometimes under fire and blamed for a lack of professional seriousness”, said Schotte

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“Why so serious?, is Sagan's slogan to The Joker. Entertaining was his driving force. He is unique because of the combination of top performance and entertainment.. In terms of marketing, all current top athletes could learn from him. He has been a trendsetter. Just think of those victory gestures. He thought about that", remarked Schotte

One rider that is also very charismatic is Tadej Pogačar, still the things are different, nobody is as approachable as Sagan.

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"With Sagan, the prototype of the rider of the future disappears. The nonchalance of Tadej Pogačar does not tip the scales of the Slovaks' je ne sais quoi. Pogacar is shielded, Sagan was much more approachable. I hope the others take that on board. Don't shield the toppers. Only in that way will the connection between the public and this sport remain so intense.”, ended Schotte.

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