Imagine the thrill of racing against a cycling legend, Tadej Pogacar, the four-time Tour de France winner! But here's the catch: you're an amateur, and the challenge is to climb one of Slovenia's toughest mountains, Krvavec, starting from Pogacar's hometown, Komenda.
This is the story of hundreds of amateurs who took up this extraordinary invitation, received just days before Pogacar's successful World Championship defense. The goal? To experience what it's like to ride alongside the world's top cyclist.
The amateurs, including a British expat in Slovenia, Dave Goddard, and a local rider, Anja Licen, lined up at the start, hoping to avoid embarrassment. Austrian duo Sandra Burtscher and Michael Mangeng, equipped with Pogi-endorsed bikes, were nervous yet excited. But as Michael predicted, their time with the champion was fleeting.
Pogacar, with his relentless efficiency, swiftly caught up with the riders, leaving them in his wake. The author, an occasional cyclist, was no exception, getting passed within the first 2km. Despite some preparation, the challenge was daunting, especially after years away from road cycling.
The author's friends offered a mix of encouragement and humor, with one suggesting an electric engine for the bike. In the end, the summit was reached, but 53 minutes behind Pogacar.
Interestingly, Pogacar wasn't the first to finish. That honor went to Andrew Feather, a 40-year-old British lawyer and four-time British Hill Climbing Champion. Feather's achievement was remarkable, as he managed to stay ahead of Pogacar for most of the race, a rare feat.
Feather's words capture the essence of this unique experience: "Pogi is one of the best ever cyclists. I wanted to say I've competed with him." Pogacar, ever the champion, took the loss in stride, acknowledging that you can't win them all.
But the story doesn't end there. Even after a season filled with victories, Pogacar's hunger for success remains insatiable. His motivation? Pure love for the sport. And that's a sentiment that resonates with cyclists of all levels.
So, what's your take on this extraordinary event? Would you dare to challenge a cycling legend? Share your thoughts and let's keep the conversation rolling!
