Tadej Pogačar Reflects on Burnout in Cycling: “Yes, It Could Happen to Me Too”
Slovenian superstar Tadej Pogačar has admitted that even he is not immune to the growing concern of burnout in professional cycling. Speaking after a grueling series of races in North America, the 25-year-old UAE Team Emirates leader opened up about the mental and physical pressures that come with competing at the sport’s highest level.
“Burnout is real, and yes, it could happen to me too,” Pogačar confessed. “Cycling demands so much—not just from the legs, but from the mind. We are always traveling, racing, recovering, and sometimes people forget that we are also human beings.”
His comments come at a time when the cycling world has been discussing the risks of over-racing and the toll of constant competition. With the calendar becoming more demanding and expectations higher than ever, even the biggest champions are beginning to raise their voices about the need for balance.
Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France winner, highlighted how athletes can struggle to find time for themselves. “Rest is just as important as training, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re always chasing results. I try to remind myself to slow down, to enjoy time with my family, and not lose the love for the bike.”
Fans and experts praised his honesty, noting that his words shed light on an issue often kept behind closed doors. By acknowledging his own vulnerability, Pogačar has added weight to the conversation around athlete well-being.
As the season heads into its final stretch, the Slovenian champion insists that protecting mental health will remain a priority. “If we want long careers and happy lives, we need to care for ourselves—not just push until we break.”
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