Get ready for a thrilling start to the road cycling season! The Tour Down Under, an iconic race in Australia, was on the cusp of a major coup: the potential participation of world champion Tadej Pogačar. A near miss, but a story that's sure to spark debate among cycling enthusiasts.
As the inaugural WorldTour race of the year, the Tour Down Under already boasts an impressive roster. However, the addition of Pogačar would have elevated the event to new heights. Race director Stuart O'Grady revealed that the Slovenian's presence was almost a reality. In an interview with Canberra Times, O'Grady stated, "He's genuinely excited about the prospect of racing here."
The interest from Pogačar became a hot topic when his super agent, Alex Carera, made a brief appearance at the Tour Down Under. Carera, who represents notable riders like Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay, discussed Pogačar's potential involvement, and O'Grady believes the champion's enthusiasm was genuine.
But here's where it gets controversial... O'Grady admitted he didn't anticipate Pogačar's interest, but he sees it as a positive sign. "They're focused on that fifth Tour de France title in 2026, and they want to stick to a consistent program and schedule," he explained. "Once he achieves that milestone, we'll do everything to bring him to Adelaide."
The race director also emphasized the unique appeal of the Tour Down Under, which is often underestimated until experienced firsthand. He quoted Michael Kwiatkowski, who recently said, "I wish I had come here sooner. It's an incredible training ground."
Despite the race not being the ideal preparation for Pogačar's main goal, the Tour de France, O'Grady reiterated the rider's enthusiasm. "I spoke with Mauro Gianetti (UAE team boss) last month, and they were very close to sending him here."
And this is the part most people miss... Pogačar has already competed in Australia once before, in 2019, where he finished an impressive thirteenth in the general classification and fourth in the youth classification. That same year, he made a breakthrough, winning three stages in the Tour of Spain.
So, will we see Pogačar return to the Australian stage race in 2027? The organizers are already planning for it, hoping to bring him back to Adelaide. If it happens, it will mark his return to Australia after an eight-year absence.
For now, Pogačar starts his season with a series of races, including the UAE Tour, where he has competed in previous years. This year, he will also make his first appearance in Tuscany at the Strade Bianche on March 7.
So, what do you think? Should Pogačar prioritize the Tour de France or explore new races like the Tour Down Under? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments!
