Tadej Pogačar Stuns Fans with European Championships Announcement – and Drops a Shocking Hint About His Retirement Countdown

In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the cycling world, Tadej Pogačar has confirmed he will be competing at the upcoming 2025 European Championships, a decision that thrilled his fans but was immediately overshadowed by a startling admission – he has quietly started counting down the years until he steps away from professional cycling. The announcement has left the peloton, his supporters, and the entire sporting community grappling with mixed emotions, torn between excitement for his next challenge and concern over what may lie ahead.

Pogačar, widely regarded as one of the greatest riders of his generation, has built a career defined by explosive performances, relentless determination, and a consistency rarely seen in the modern era. From his back-to-back Tour de France victories to his dominance in one-day classics, the Slovenian superstar has long been the embodiment of youth, power, and ambition. His decision to take part in the European Championships seemed to align perfectly with his competitive spirit. Yet, his candid revelation about the finite nature of his career has added an unexpected layer of drama.

Speaking in a rare, emotionally charged interview, Pogačar admitted that while his love for the sport remains unshaken, he has begun thinking more seriously about the toll elite cycling takes on both body and mind. “I’ve started counting down the years,” he said cryptically, without specifying how many remain. “Cycling has given me everything, but there comes a time when you start listening to your body in a different way. I’m not saying it will be tomorrow, but the end is not as far as it once felt.”

These words, though delivered without theatrics, have resonated deeply. For fans accustomed to seeing Pogačar attack with fearless aggression and a seemingly endless supply of energy, the thought of his eventual departure feels almost unthinkable. Some supporters have taken to social media to express disappointment, arguing that the mere suggestion of retirement so soon could cast a shadow over his upcoming performances. Others, however, have rallied behind him, praising his honesty and calling his statement a sign of wisdom rather than weakness.

Speculation has quickly ignited about what prompted such an admission now. Pogačar has hinted at underlying health concerns, though he has stopped short of confirming any specific issues. He also acknowledged the mental strain of competing at the highest level year after year, facing the constant pressure to perform and the scrutiny that comes with being one of the sport’s brightest stars.

The timing of this revelation is particularly striking given the packed racing calendar ahead. The European Championships will serve as a major highlight of the 2025 season, attracting the continent’s best riders in a fierce battle for supremacy. For Pogačar, it represents both an opportunity to add another prestigious title to his palmarès and, perhaps, a symbolic reminder of the finite window in which athletes can operate at their peak.

Teammates and rivals alike have responded to the news with a mixture of surprise and respect. Some have privately admitted that the pressures of professional cycling can wear even the strongest down, while others remain skeptical, wondering if Pogačar’s comments are a psychological tactic aimed at deflecting attention or managing expectations ahead of the race.

As the European Championships draw closer, all eyes will be on the Slovenian sensation to see whether this newfound awareness of his career’s fragility will fuel him to even greater heights or subtly temper the aggression that has defined his riding style. For now, one thing is certain: Pogačar has once again reminded the world that in cycling, as in life, even the brightest chapters eventually give way to their final pages.

Whether this countdown will span years or just a handful of seasons remains a mystery, but his words have ensured that every upcoming race will be watched with a heightened sense of poignancy. The European Championships may well be remembered not only for the battles fought on the road but for the moment Tadej Pogačar publicly acknowledged that the finish line of his career is somewhere – perhaps closer than anyone dared imagine – just over the horizon.