02/10/2024

"The UCI refused my accreditation and the Slovenian Federation provided no support" - Tadej Pogacar's personal photographer reveals World Championship disaster

Tadej Pogacar created some memories that will a lifetime last weekend in Zurich. Whilst the Slovenian was attacking from 100km out, claiming a first ever Rainbow Jersey and earning the plaudits of cycling fans and experts the world over, Pogacar's personal photographer was not having such a good time.

"Honestly I am lost for words. Yesterday, we witnessed greatness. To win the Giro, Tour, World Championship, and a monument all in one season is incredible, and I am so proud and happy for Pogi because I know how much effort and hard work he put into it," begins Alen Milavec's post-Worlds assessment via Instagram. "Nobody sees this…they only see the results and they judge based on that. The rainbow jersey was his main goal this season, and he achieved it with style. It takes exceptional cycling skill to attack 100 kilometres remaining, and nobody would even consider doing so in a race of this significance. But he believed in himself, surprising everyone."

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As mentioned however, although Milavec was understandably delighted by his good friend Pogacar's success on the roads in Switzerland last Sunday, his own World Championship experience isn't necessarily something he will remember too fondly. "From my perspective, it was also one of the most difficult races I have ever did," begins his explanation. "The UCI refused my accreditation as a personal photographer, and the Slovenian National Federation provided no support or assistance, which I will never forget."

"Nobody from that side expected me in Zürich because they believed that without accreditation, I would be unable to get anything worthwhile," Milavec concludes, explaining how eventually, things worked out. "But I went there with the Colnago team, and we proved them wrong. Everything is possible, and if there is a will, there is a way, whether in cycling, photography, or life. Just believe!"