Tadej Pogacar may be just one stage away from sealing his fourth Tour de France title, but behind the scenes, the cracks in his enthusiasm are beginning to show. The 26-year-old phenom has once again proven why he's considered the most complete rider of this generation — pulling off awe-inspiring performances in the mountains and time trials alike. Yet, with the 2025 Tour nearing its end, Pogacar’s recent comments hint at something deeper than fatigue — a sense of emotional and mental burnout.
With a commanding 4-minute, 26-second lead over defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar has all but secured the yellow jersey. However, his remarks after Stage 18 — "I can’t wait for it to be over" — struck a different tone, a rare moment of vulnerability from a man used to being in control.
Tadej Pogacar longs for more than just victory
Pogacar’s Tour de France campaign has been nearly flawless. From storming ahead on the Hautacam summit during Stage 12 to crushing the field in the Stage 13 mountain time trial, his superiority was never in doubt. But instead of celebrating, Tadej Pogacar admitted he felt “not super energized right now.”
His decision to ease up on the Col de la Loze was another clue. "I don't want to risk anything," he admitted, suggesting that the absence of a close rival challenge has dulled the adrenaline rush that often fuels him. For a rider driven by competition, cruising through the final stages of a largely uncontested Tour has seemingly become more of a mental burden than a triumph.
Behind the scenes: Team dynamics and personal tolls
While some fans see Tadej Pogacar’s remarks as natural exhaustion after a grueling season, others are reading between the lines. Speculation is swirling that there could be underlying dissatisfaction with team leadership — perhaps friction with UAE Team Emirates’ management or the tactical approach from sporting directors Simone Pedrazzini and Marco Marcato.
There’s also chatter about support gaps in the team’s mountain strategy, especially after Pogacar’s Stage 11 crash. Though riders like Marc Soler and Nils Politt have offered assistance, it hasn't always synced with Pogacar’s aggressive style — possibly leaving him feeling isolated at times during key stages.
Still, Pogacar hasn’t lost complete perspective. “When you ride on these big climbs and people cheer you, it gives you extra motivation. Then you realize it’s not so bad to be here,” he shared, suggesting a love-hate relationship with the sport’s most prestigious race.
As he rolls into Paris in yellow once more, the big question now is whether Tadej Pogacar will push for the Vuelta a Espana, or if he’ll opt for rest before turning his attention to the World Championships.