MERIJN ZEEMAN: “I tried to get him on our team as a prospect.” Tadej Pogaccar nearly joined Visma over the UAE.

Tadej Pogačar Nearly Joined Jumbo-Visma, Reveals Merijn Zeeman

In a surprising revelation, Merijn Zeeman, the sports director of Team Jumbo-Visma, shared that cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar was once on their radar as a young prospect. Speaking in a recent interview, Zeeman detailed the efforts made by Jumbo-Visma to secure Pogačar’s talent before he eventually signed with UAE Team Emirates.

“We saw Tadej’s potential very early,” Zeeman said. “Our team recognized that he had the makings of a future champion, and we tried to bring him on board. We believed he could be a significant asset to our team, given his natural abilities and racing instincts.”

Pogačar, who has since become one of the sport’s most celebrated riders, chose a different path. In 2018, he signed with UAE Team Emirates, and the decision quickly proved fruitful. By 2020, Pogačar had claimed his first Tour de France victory, a feat he repeated in 2021. His dominance in the Grand Tours and other major races has solidified his reputation as one of the best cyclists of his generation.

Zeeman’s comments highlight the competitive nature of talent acquisition in professional cycling, where teams constantly scout for promising riders who can deliver on the big stages. “It’s always a bit of a gamble,” Zeeman admitted. “You see the potential, but you never know for sure how a young rider will develop. With Tadej, it was clear he had something special.”

The acknowledgment of Jumbo-Visma’s attempt to sign Pogačar underscores the high regard in which he was held, even as a young prospect. While Jumbo-Visma has its own roster of star riders, including Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard, Zeeman can’t help but wonder what could have been.

“Of course, we wonder how things might have turned out if Tadej had joined us,” Zeeman mused. “But we’re also proud of the riders we have and what we’ve accomplished. Cycling is a sport of many variables, and every team has its unique journey.”

As Pogačar continues to shine on the world stage, his near-miss with Jumbo-Visma adds an intriguing chapter to his already illustrious career. For fans and insiders alike, it’s a reminder of the twists and turns that define the world of professional cycling.