2023 will go down as an incredibly successful year for Tadej Pogacar. Although he was unable to reclaim his Tour de France title, the Slovenian more than made up for it with success elsewhere.
One man who was certainly impressed by the UAE Team Emirates leader, was Pogacar's fellow multiple-time Tour de France champion, Chris Froome. “What Pogacar was able to do this season, racing at the highest level in the Grand Tours, but also managing to win classics like Flanders, is unthinkable for me and it is something that I respect a lot,” said the British rider in an interview with Spanish outlet Marca.
Whilst Froome has himself struggled for form this year, culminating in a disappointing omission from Israel - Premier Tech's Tour de France lineup, Tadej Pogacar has gone from strength to strength this year with numerous one day wins.
Adding the likes of Il Lombardia, Amstel Gold Race, Fleche Wallone, the Tour of Flanders and a pair of national champion's jerseys alongside other successes, the Slovenian was unequivocally one of the riders of the year in 2023.