With less than two weeks until the
Tour de France, Tadej
Pogacar is finding time for fun, and a bit of light teasing. The Slovenian has
launched the “Pogi Challenge,” an event that will take place later this year,
after the serious racing has concluded.
In a video promoting the event, Pogacar offers some
satirical advice on how to beat him. “My first tip is train consistently
throughout the year, no excuses,” he says with a grin, “that way there won’t be
any excuses like Tadej is faster!”
The world champion doesn’t stop there. With a wink, he adds:
“Look for my weak spots,” pointing viewers towards his race footage, though
finding any might prove difficult given his 2025 form.
The challenge itself is set for October 10th, high in the
Slovenian Alps. At a fork in the trail to Krvavec, participants will begin a
climb, before Pogacar sets off in pursuit shortly after them. Those who manage
to reach the summit ahead of him will earn a personal congratulations, and
bragging rights, from the man himself. What are the chances no one earns that
personal congratulations we wonder?
Given Pogacar’s run of victories this season, including
Liège–Bastogne–Liège, the Tour of Flanders, and the Critérium du Dauphiné, few
in the peloton may fancy their chances even with the extra head start. Let’s
hope Jonas Vingegaard and Remco Evenepoel have been taking notes…
Hwow