“He Deserved to Win” – Tadej Pogačar Explains GP de Montréal Gift and Looks Ahead to World Championships
Tadej Pogačar once again showed that greatness in cycling is not only defined by victories but also by humility and respect for teammates. After finishing second at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, the Slovenian superstar admitted that the win was a deliberate gift to UAE Team Emirates teammate Brandon McNulty, who claimed his first major one-day WorldTour triumph.
Speaking after the race, Pogačar revealed that the team’s plan had always been to create opportunities for McNulty, and when the decisive moment came, he did not hesitate to step aside. “Brandon was the strongest today, and he deserved to win,” Pogačar said. “I have won many big races, but for him, this was special. It’s important to recognize when a teammate has earned the right to take the glory.”
The gesture was warmly received across the cycling world, with many praising Pogačar’s selflessness in a sport where personal ambition often takes priority. His decision not only strengthened team unity but also highlighted UAE Team Emirates’ growing depth, showing that success is built on more than just one star rider.
With the World Championships just around the corner, Pogačar is shifting his focus to the global stage. He admitted that form and confidence are in the right place, but he remains cautious about predicting outcomes. “The World Championships is always unpredictable. One mistake, one bad moment, and the race can be gone,” he noted. “But I feel good, and I am motivated to represent Slovenia with everything I have.”
Observers believe Pogačar’s gesture in Montréal could serve as a psychological boost for his entire team, as McNulty’s breakthrough win adds another weapon to UAE’s arsenal. For Pogačar, however, the priority remains balance—managing expectations, staying healthy, and peaking at the right time.
As he looks ahead, the Slovenian has no regrets about playing the role of supporter rather than finisher in Canada. “Cycling is not only about collecting victories,” he said with a smile. “It’s about the moments you share, the friendships you build, and the happiness you can bring to others. I think today, we all won.”
For fans, Montréal was another reminder that Pogačar’s greatness lies not just in his legs but also in his character—something he will carry into the World Championship
s with pride.
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