"Pogacar stays hungry by staying in love and engaged with the game" - Tom Danielson impressed by Slovenian's focus

Tadej Pogacar is quite unique in many ways. One of them is his out-going attitude and warm approach to fans that makes him even more popular than his impressive victories.  

Tom Danielson notices that some critique points out that the world champion makes winning look too easy sometimes. "I find it crazy to hear Pogacar being criticized for the way he handles himself while being so dominant," the former professional shares his opinion via X.

The American can't wrap his head around people under the impression that Pogacar might be too relaxed, or perhaps it's just their jealousy? "First off, we are talking about bike racing. It’s a show and that’s it. We want real people showing real personality, it’s more entertaining."

Danielson is actually amazed by Pogacar's composed approach to racing. "Second, ironically, it is his calm, clear, and lack of obsession around the others that give him an advantage over them. Also this mindset enables him to remain so hungry despite constant success."

"I know from experience that when you win, or find success, comfort creeps in. You feel this relief that you accomplished what you worked so hard for. That relief can almost trick you to think that it will stay around forever. This often relaxes you in a bad way because you start to only want the relief instead of all the pain that comes before it."

You don't notice anything like that with the Slovenian. Victories only make him hunger for more and that's precisely why the world champion is inevitably launching towards his 100th professional victory this summer.

"But Pogacar stays hungry by staying in love and engaged with the game. That game is trying to find a better level tomorrow than you were today. So while people try to judge his actions in relation to others, they are completely missing one of the key separators between him and the others: that his win is only dependent on his performance."