🚨 Pogacar’s Confidence Shaken: UAE Team Emirates Faces Internal Confusion Amid Leaked Tactical Shift at Tour de France 2025

Tadej Pogacar, widely regarded as one of the most mentally resilient and versatile cyclists of the modern era, is known for embracing adversity—especially bad weather. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for thriving under the harshest conditions, often referring to foul weather as his “specialty.” But this year at the 2025 Tour de France, something’s different. Something’s broken. And it’s not his legs—it’s the cohesion within his own team.

In a surprising post-stage interview earlier this week, Pogacar dropped a comment that sent shockwaves across the peloton and media alike. When asked about how he would handle the oncoming storm front forecasted for the Alps stages, he paused, looked off into the distance, and said: “Bad weather used to be my specialty… but I’m no longer sure.” It wasn’t the words that alarmed fans—it was the tone. The same Pogacar who used to attack in pouring rain now seemed hesitant, almost disturbed. That crack in confidence didn’t go unnoticed.

Shortly after the interview, cycling insiders and fan forums lit up with talk of a leaked internal memo from UAE Team Emirates, suggesting a last-minute “tactical turnaround” for the high-mountain stages. The leak, allegedly originating from within the team staff, revealed a major shake-up in their original race strategy, including limiting Pogacar’s aggressive solo attacks and redistributing roles among domestiques—most notably asking Marc Soler and João Almeida to prioritize controlling the peloton over protecting Pogacar directly.

What was meant to be a tactical refresh quickly descended into confusion. According to multiple unnamed sources within the team, the riders were caught off guard by the shift. “One day we’re racing full gas for Tadej, the next we’re being told to play defense like we’re leading a football match,” one team member reportedly said.

Fans have also taken to social media to express concern. Many pointed out Pogacar’s relatively muted performance on Stage 14, where he opted to sit in the pack rather than test his rivals on a category-one climb—unusual for a rider who made his name through fearless mountain attacks.

The timing couldn’t be worse. With Jonas Vingegaard clawing his way back into contention and riders like Carlos Rodríguez and Remco Evenepoel lurking dangerously close in the GC standings, Pogacar’s moment of hesitation could cost him dearly. While he still wears the yellow jersey—for now—the psychological edge that once made him untouchable seems to be fading.

What’s even more concerning is that team management has yet to offer a clear explanation for the new tactics. In a press statement yesterday, UAE Team Emirates’ director sportif offered little more than vague reassurances: “We’re adjusting based on the race situation. Everything is under control.” But is it? For the first time in years, that statement rings hollow.

As the Tour moves into its brutal final week, eyes will be glued to Pogacar—not just to see if he still has the legs, but to see if he still has the mindset. Is this simply a minor wobble from a dominant champion—or the first signs of a deeper collapse within one of cycling’s strongest squads?

One thing is certain: the 2025 Tour de France just got a lot more unpredictable. And Pogacar, once the master of chaos, now finds himself at the mercy of it.