Tadej Pogacar spotted on mountain bike at famous Ireland destination as he attends wedding of World Tour rider
Cycling
Tadej Pogacar was spotted out for a ride in Ireland this week, with the Tour de France champion appearing to swap the road bike for a mountain bike while out for a spin in one of the country's most famous spots.
Pogacar made the trip to Ireland as he attended the wedding former Irish national champion and Vuelta a Espana stage winner Eddie Dunbar, with the Cork native tying the knot in the South of Ireland.
The pair appear to be friends outside of racing as the UAE Team Emirates-XRG rider was spotted with Dunbar in September on one of his first rides back since his Vuelta a Espana crash ended his season.
That time, the pair were both returning from broken collarbones as they sported their scars to show. Now, Pogacar is firmly on the front foot as he prepares to return in 2027 with a bang, already announcing Tour de France history and Vuelta redemption as his driving forces in 2027.
But while on the off-season, Pogacar has been busy. His trip to Ireland takes him to Kerry's Killarney in the country's rustic south-west. Surrounded by mythical mountains, and home to some of Ireland's best mountain bike and hilly trails, the Slovenian can be understood for getting on a mountain bike while out for a spin around the town.
Tadej Pogačar swapped his road bike for an MTB for a little ride in Killarney, Ireland, where he is attending Eddie Dunbar’s wedding. 🇮🇪👩🏼❤️💋👨🏻 Thanks to Brendan from bikeracingstats for spotting and sending this! https://t.co/U5wcn18fv1
— Lukáš Ronald Lukács (@lucxsronald) November 14, 2026
Pogacar no longer world champion
The UAE Team Emirates- XRG leader was of course sporting his training kit now no longer the rainbow jersey - instead the rainbow armbands and collar allowed for former world champions after his 2024 and 2025 road race victories.
In September, Pogacar wasn't present to defend his jersey as teammate McNulty took the crown in his absence. Speaking about his Montreal victory, McNulty hopes to help Pogacar win a sixth Tour de France.
McNulty expects Pogacar to come back stronger than ever and thinks that helping him win the yellow jersey again would be extra fulfilling in the rainbow jersey.
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"The truth is, we haven't spoken much. He sent me a message saying he was very happy for me. From what I know and can understand, he will come back from his injury at his best. He's always shown he can reach that level. I have complete confidence that he'll return exactly where he left off.
He added: "In 2027 I want to do the Tour de France again because it's something special; wearing the rainbow jersey will be incredible, and trying to win another one with Tadej would be wonderful."
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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- Yeah, what he said!Lozza15-11-2026
- I’m sure Jasper Philipsen would disagree with you.Lozza15-11-2026
- Article says he was “out for a spin around the town”, implying not off-road.Lozza15-11-2026
- let’s be honest, Alpecin is all about one rider - MVDP. I’m sure he gets whatever he needs, the rest get the scraps.mij15-11-2026
- there are more vicious injuries on a road bike than a mountain bike far and away.mij15-11-2026
- That'll be one crazy rider
Rafionain-Glas15-11-2026 - Many Europeans say that Austria, Switzerland and Slovenia are one of the most beautiful countries in Europe known for their stunning landscapes because of the Alp mountains, green forests, clean rivers and lakes, coastlines, and national parks.PogiSloFans15-11-2026
- Pogi=Baby Hulk=Smash !!!PogiSloFans15-11-2026
- I was in Maribor last summer (while spending time in Graz with family) but of course it was the day of independence and everything was shut. Sigh. Lovely walk on the river. (And yes, I’m Austrian and live in the US.)RidesHills15-11-2026
- Riding a mountain bike off road after his injuries is not very responsiblecaptmike15-11-2026
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