Peter Sagan defined an era of cycling. With 121 career victories - including the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, a record seven Green Jerseys at the Tour de France, and an unprecedented three consecutive World Titles (2015-2017), amongst many others - he is royalty in the sport. However, his relationship with the Olympics as an athlete was complicated. He participated twice but never finished inside the top 10.
But now, retired and relaxed (he put an end to his career in June 2024, after riding half of the season for continental team Pierre Baguette Cycling), he is finally experiencing the side of the Games he missed as a competitor. Sagan went to Milano to experience the Winter Olympics, which are currently taking place in the Italian city.
"I had never been able to participate in the opening ceremony, because it was always on the eve or close to my races," Sagan explained from Milano in words collected by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
"This time I was at San Siro and I got emotional, I had goosebumps," he admitted. "In particular, when Andrea Bocelli sang. And also seeing Alberto Tomba light the cauldron..."
Sagan, Démare and Ballerini at the 2020 Giro d'Italia
Winter roots and no regrets
It is no secret that Sagan dabbled in winter sports as a child before fully committing to the bike, making his presence at the Winter Games feel natural. "The Games are the biggest party," he said. Looking at the prospects for his nation, his eyes are on the slopes. "For us in Slovakia, I hope that Petra Vlhová can compete in alpine skiing and do us honor, we'll see."
As for his own life after the peloton, Sagan insists he is at peace with his decision to hang up the wheels. "I have many commitments with sponsors now," he noted. "I ride my bike when I can and I have no regrets, I stopped cycling at the right time."
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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leedorney02-11-2026 - Watch the interview on youtube. I don't speak French. I do speak English and Spanish and you can hear it in his voice. Years ago LeMond had real personal problems I imagine in no small part because of Armstrong. then Armstrong goes round "full blast" re: LeMond having drinking and drug problems. The same way Andreu was expelled from mainstream cycling so was LeMond. On the positive side the clips of the ride and chatting with old teammates and was good. To seemed like a fun day and experience and good reason brush up his French.atom02-11-2026
- and another no-news article around the ‚2 tokyo jogging rounds‘ headline, this time spiced with some days old ‚news‘ that the LA and japan vacation trips come during or after the tdf route release. i am getting more and more annoyed by this time-stealing no-news crap. but who am i to complain? nobody forces me to come back for more ‚news‘ day after day …Ketterechts02-11-2026
- It would likely be a very steep section of 4.1 km, not changing the average gradient considerably, with the climb remaining 10.1 km at 11.8%. It would reach 20% on the gravel. It would start 1.6 km in, and finish with 4.2 km left to climb (before the short final descent)
Rafionain-Glas02-11-2026
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