Tadej Pogačar’s rapid rise to prominence as one of cycling’s greatest talents may seem like a natural progression, but his journey began with a deep curiosity for new experiences. This was especially evident in his childhood, where his interest in various activities helped shape his future.
Marjeta, Tadej’s mother, recalls the first time her son encountered a unicycle. “A neighbor once came to an event with a unicycle and demonstrated how to ride it,” she explains while sitting in a cozy café in Komenda, the small Slovenian town where the Pogačar family resides, about 20 kilometers from Ljubljana.
The moment left an impression on Tadej and his siblings. “The kids were fascinated, and they wanted to learn. So we bought them a unicycle,” she continues. This led to the purchase of a second unicycle as sibling rivalry kicked in. Tadej, just 10 years old at the time, and his older brother Tilen were soon seen riding around Komenda on one wheel. “If you gave them one now, they could still ride it. They practiced constantly,” Marjeta laughs, showing just how far their dedication went.
Even the farm trips became an opportunity for the brothers to show off their unicycling skills. “When we asked them to fetch milk from their grandparents’ farm, they’d say, ‘It’s too hard to walk. It’s easier to go by bike,’” she reminisces. “So, they’d head out on their unicycles instead.”
Though the circus may have seemed a more fitting career for the pair at that point, Tadej’s unicycling adventure was abruptly cut short. “One day, the unicycles disappeared,” Marjeta says, pausing with a knowing smile. “We’re not sure if they were stolen or if the boys simply lost them. All we know is that we had two, and then they were gone.”
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. Over the next two decades, Tadej Pogačar would transition from his childhood hobby to becoming one of the world’s most successful cyclists, dominating the WorldTour. Looking back, his parents could hardly have predicted such a future, but Marjeta was certain Tadej was always destined for a life filled with sport. “He was always active,” she says. “If there wasn’t enough going on, he’d make his own fun. He always found ways to stay entertained with his siblings.”
The family dynamic is as busy and lively as you’d expect. Marjeta, 55, taught French at school, while Mirko, 62, worked as a manager at a chair factory. This summer, both of them left their jobs to dedicate themselves fully to running the Tadej Pogačar Foundation, further solidifying their commitment to their son’s legacy.
When the family arrives at the café in a modest green Nissan, it’s a far cry from the lavish lifestyle one might associate with a global cycling star. The car bears only a small ‘TP’ logo on the bonnet, marking the family’s connection to Tadej’s charitable efforts. Mirko greets me warmly, though it’s clear that Marjeta takes the lead when it comes to sharing stories.
Over fruit tea, Marjeta animatedly recounts the makeup of their family: “We have four children – two girls and two boys. The oldest, Barbara, is an electrical engineer; Tilen, the second oldest, was a Continental-level cyclist and now works in logistics; then there’s Tadej; and Vita, Tadej’s younger sister, is in her last year of secondary school.”
She’s quick to correct me when I ask if their home is noisy: “It’s a noisy house,” she laughs. “Tadej was a bit of a clown at home.”
In the quiet of their hometown, with the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary childhood, it’s hard to imagine that this family’s youngest would become the cycling phenomenon he is today. But as his mother reflects on Tadej’s early years, one thing is clear: his drive for adventure and excellence was already evident from the start.
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