"This boy will go far." This phrase has been used many, many times in the cycling world to define the champion of the moment. And yet, Andrej Hauptman was sure of his words when he saw that young, ambitious compatriot working his butt off with grit and technical ability uncommon among juniors. It's strange to consider that at the time, the 45-year-old former Slovenian sprinter (world bronze medalist in 2001) thought that Tadej Pogacar, the boy who is actually going far, was a little behind in physical maturation compared to his peers.
At just 22 years old, with a Tour de France already under his belt, Tadej is already one of the brightest stars in the cycling firmament and Andrej, who still follows him as sporting director inUAE Team Emirates, It is certain that the best is yet to comeTour, Olympics, Vuelta: there will be plenty of fun in this 2021 that has just begun. We got a little taste of it at Uae Tour, intrigued we followed him fighting against the giants at the Strade Bianche and yesterday in Prati di Tivo another piece has been added to its history.
Andrej, did you expect to see Tadej so fit already?
He is at a good level as he had already demonstrated at the UAE Tour, but in cycling, as in other sports, Once a race is over, you draw a line and start again from scratch. For this year, the plans will be similar to those of last season, let's not rush him because he's still young.
You've known him since he was a kid, were you surprised by his 2020 like this?
Knowing him, I knew that he has always had great confidence in his abilities, ever since he arrived in the teamWinning the Tour de France as a rookie, however, is something truly special.
The Planches des Belles Filles enterprise amazed the world: do you think its boom in popularity has changed it?
Absolutely not, he remained the same simple boy as before. Then, luckily, he runs in a team where there are many experienced riders who can advise him and help him manage this situation.
How is it in the running?
Tadej is someone with balls, who dares and always triesHowever, he does not do it recklessly and knows when to move because he has a great ability to read the raceIt's an innate trait, one he's always had. He thrives in all conditions and isn't particularly sensitive to the cold.
And down from the saddle?
He is very professional, a simple, calm boy who, when he is not under pressure, knows how to relax and recover his energy in the best way possibleWhen it comes time to dive in, he's great at switching so he's ready to go to battle. He doesn't need me to push him in any way or give him any particular motivation., because he finds them within himself.
Do you think having a girlfriend (Urska Zigart; ed.) cyclist help him?
Surely, because she knows the environment and they both have the same priorities in life.
Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico…Are you studying the Italian roads to race in the Giro next year?
As you well know, this year Tadej will still focus on the Tour, but the time for the Giro will also come, you can be sure of that.
On the run at the world championship, third in Liège: do you see him as a protagonist in one-day races too?
I really think so, especially the more challenging classics like Lombardy or Liège may be the most suitable for him.
Does he remind you of any riders you've raced with or perhaps faced as opponents?
Actually, I've never thought about it and I don't think he has either. Some have said he's a striker like the great Marco Pantani, but we don't think about it and we prefer to focus on doing the best we can at the races.
