Tadej Pogacar has taken the cycling world by storm since his arrival on the international scene. With two Tour de France victories (2020, 2021) under his belt, a series of impressive wins in one-day classics, and countless podium finishes, the 25-year-old Slovenian is already a proven champion. However, according to one of cycling’s greatest figures, former pro rider Sean Kelly, the best of Pogacar may still be ahead of him. Kelly believes that Pogacar, like many riders, is likely to reach his peak performance in the years between 26 and 30.
A Rising Star
When Tadej Pogacar burst onto the scene, he did so in spectacular fashion. His victory at the 2020 Tour de France was nothing short of a revolution. The 21-year-old took control of the race in the final mountain stages, leaving seasoned riders like Primoz Roglic, who had been dominating the event, in his wake. Pogacar’s remarkable abilities were on full display, particularly his climbing prowess and time trial skills, which helped him secure one of the most stunning victories in Tour history.
This victory signaled the arrival of a new cycling prodigy. His second Tour victory in 2021 further cemented his status as one of the sport’s brightest talents. As a young rider, Pogacar had already accomplished what many riders only dream of achieving over the course of an entire career.
Beyond the Tour de France, Pogacar’s résumé includes wins at the Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the UAE Tour, the Tour of California, and a series of podium finishes in classics such as the Tour of Flanders. His versatility across various terrains, from the steep climbs of the Grand Tours to the cobbled roads of one-day classics, is unparalleled for a rider of his age. However, even with such an impressive list of achievements, Sean Kelly is convinced that Pogacar is far from reaching his full potential.
Sean Kelly’s Insight on Cycling Peak Performance
Sean Kelly, a legend in professional cycling, brings decades of experience to his perspective on Pogacar’s career. Known for his own Grand Tour victories, including the Vuelta a España, and an illustrious career in one-day classics, Kelly understands the trajectory of a professional cyclist’s development. He believes that a rider’s peak years often come later than many people think.
“When you get to 26 to 30, you’re coming into your best years as a cyclist,” Kelly says. This observation is grounded in his extensive knowledge of the sport. While it is tempting to assume that a rider like Pogacar, who has already achieved so much at just 25 years old, is at or near his peak, Kelly sees things differently. He argues that Pogacar, like many riders, is likely to continue improving in the next few years, making his peak years yet to come.
Kelly’s perspective is not unusual in professional cycling. Historically, many riders experience their strongest years between the ages of 26 and 30. This period represents a time when a cyclist has gained sufficient experience in the peloton, refined their tactical awareness, and developed the physical endurance and strength that can make a difference in the hardest races. Pogacar, despite his immense talent, is still in the early stages of this phase.
Physical and Mental Development
One of the key factors behind Kelly’s belief that Pogacar’s best years are ahead is the continued development of a rider’s physical abilities. Cycling is a sport that requires immense endurance, strength, and power, all of which evolve over time. Riders in their mid-20s, while already exceptionally gifted, are still refining their capacities to handle the extreme demands of races like the Tour de France or the Giro d’Italia.
For example, a cyclist’s ability to maintain a high level of performance in the mountains or in time trials typically improves as they gain more experience and work on their training. Pogacar’s climbing skills are already world-class, but as he matures physically, he could continue to strengthen his ability to perform at the highest level in these key disciplines. Additionally, time trials, which are crucial in the grand tours, are an area where some riders hit their peak later in their careers. Pogacar, who has already displayed exceptional prowess in this discipline, may refine his technique even further, allowing him to extract even more power and efficiency from his body.
In terms of mental maturity, Kelly also points out that as riders age, they become better at reading races and making decisions under pressure. Pogacar, for example, has already shown remarkable tactical intelligence, but this aspect of his riding could improve further as he gains more experience in different types of races, particularly in the larger Grand Tours.
