Get ready for an exciting twist in the world of cycling! The Tour Down Under almost witnessed a legendary rider's presence, leaving organizers with a bittersweet feeling.
The road cycling season has kicked off with a bang, and Australia has been the stage for some thrilling races. The Tour Down Under, a race on the other side of the world, was on the cusp of a major event: the potential participation of Tadej Pogačar, the world champion. But here's where it gets controversial...
As the first WorldTour race of the year, the Tour Down Under already had an impressive lineup, but Pogačar's presence would have been a game-changer. Race director Stuart O'Grady revealed that the Slovenian's involvement was a close call. In an interview with Canberra Times, O'Grady stated, "He's pretty excited about coming down." This statement has left many fans wondering what could have been.
Pogačar's interest became a hot topic when his super agent, Alex Carera, paid a visit to the Tour Down Under. Carera, who represents top riders like Jasper Philipsen and Biniam Girmay, discussed Pogačar's name during his stay. O'Grady believes the champion's enthusiasm was genuine, and this near-miss has left a lasting impression.
"I didn't expect it, but it's a positive sign," O'Grady admitted. He continued, "They're focused on that fifth Tour de France title in 2026, and they want to stick to their program. Once he achieves that milestone, we'll do everything to bring him to Adelaide."
The race director also emphasized the unique appeal of the Tour Down Under, which is often realized only after experiencing it firsthand. He quoted Michael Kwiatkowski, who recently said, "Why didn't I come here sooner? It's the perfect training ground."
While the Tour Down Under might not be the ideal preparation for Pogačar's main goal, the Tour de France, O'Grady highlighted the Slovenian's enthusiasm for the idea. "I spoke with Mauro Gianetti, and they almost sent him here."
And this is the part most people miss... Pogačar has competed in Australia before, in 2019, finishing an impressive thirteenth in the general classification and fourth in the youth classification. That year, he made his breakthrough, winning three stages in the Tour of Spain. So, his return to the Australian stage race would be a highly anticipated event.
If Pogačar does compete in 2027, it will mark his comeback to Australia after eight years. The organizers are already planning to bring him back, and fans can't wait to see him in action once again.
So, what do you think? Should Pogačar prioritize his main target, the Tour de France, or explore new races like the Tour Down Under? Leave your thoughts in the comments! We'd love to hear your opinions on this cycling conundrum.
