Get ready for a thrilling tale of almosts and maybes in the world of cycling! The Tour Down Under, a race that's a world away, nearly witnessed a star-studded debut from none other than Tadej Pogačar, the reigning world champion. But here's where it gets controversial... despite the race's allure, Pogačar's participation didn't quite materialize. Race director Stuart O'Grady was left frustrated by the near miss, but he's not giving up hope just yet.
In an interview with Canberra Times, O'Grady revealed that Pogačar's interest in the race was genuine. The Slovenian's super agent, Alex Carera, even paid a visit to the Tour Down Under, sparking conversations about Pogačar's potential participation. O'Grady believes the champion was keen, but it seems the lure of a fifth Tour de France title in 2026 took precedence.
"They want to maintain the same program and schedule," O'Grady explained. "After that fifth Tour, we'll do everything to bring him to Adelaide."
And this is the part most people miss... the Tour Down Under is more than just a race; it's a perfect training ground, as Michael Kwiatkowski recently discovered. "Why didn't I come here sooner?" he asked.
Despite the race's appeal, Pogačar's focus remains on the Tour de France. But O'Grady isn't deterred. He's already planning for future seasons, hoping to align the stars and bring Pogačar to Adelaide.
If Pogačar does compete in 2027, it'll be a remarkable return to the Australian stage after eight years. His last appearance in 2019 saw him finish an impressive thirteenth overall 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 grace the Tour Down Under in the future? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: the organizers are determined to make it happen.
What do you think? Should Pogačar prioritize the Tour de France or explore new races like the Tour Down Under? Let's discuss in the comments!
