BREAKING NEWS: Tadej Pogačar Stuns Cycling World — Rejects $475M Deal from ROG-Ljubljana, Declares “My Loyalty Lies with the Emirates”
By Global Cycling Network Staff Writer
July 21, 2025 – Ljubljana, Slovenia
In an era dominated by mega-deals, personal brand empires, and billion-dollar endorsements, Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling sensation and two-time Tour de France winner, has left the sporting world speechless with a move that places loyalty above legacy money.
Pogačar, 26, has reportedly rejected a staggering $475 million offer from Slovenian powerhouse team ROG-Ljubljana — a deal that would have shattered financial records in professional cycling. Instead, he reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to UAE Team Emirates, where he has raced since turning professional in 2019.
“My loyalty lies with the Emirates,” Pogačar declared in a short but powerful post on social media. “They believed in me before anyone else. What we’ve built together is greater than money.”
An Offer Unlike Any Other
The deal from ROG-Ljubljana, confirmed by multiple European sports outlets, would have been the largest single contract in cycling history, dwarfing every existing rider’s career earnings and even surpassing some elite athletes in Formula 1 and the NFL. The proposal included:
- $475 million over 7 years
- A $100 million signing bonus
- Leadership and branding rights over a new UCI WorldTeam based in Slovenia
- Global ambassador partnerships across tech, finance, and sportswear
- Co-ownership in ROG-Ljubljana’s upcoming international development academy
Sources claim the deal was spearheaded by a Slovenian billionaire-led consortium eager to “bring Pogačar home” and turn ROG-Ljubljana into the sport’s next superteam.
A Nation’s Hero, a Global Decision
Born in Komenda, Slovenia, Pogačar’s cycling journey began with ROG-Ljubljana’s youth system — the same outfit now attempting to reclaim their prodigy. Many believed a return to his roots was not only likely but poetic.
Yet Pogačar, with signature humility, took the road less expected.
“ROG will always have a place in my heart — they gave me my start,” he said. “But UAE Team Emirates gave me the platform to become who I am today. My loyalty is with those who built the dream with me.”
Pogačar has won nearly everything there is to win — including the Tour de France (twice), Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Giro di Lombardia, and a recent Olympic gold medal. He is the only cyclist in modern history to be ranked No. 1 in UCI rankings across three consecutive seasons.
Global Reactions Pour In
The decision sparked immediate reactions from athletes, fans, and insiders around the globe.
Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France champion, tweeted:
“Massive respect to Tadej. In a sport where money talks louder every day, he let his heart speak first.”
Phil Liggett, the voice of cycling, called it “one of the boldest and most loyal decisions in decades.”
Meanwhile, UAE Team Emirates CEO Mauro Gianetti said in a statement:
“Tadej is more than our captain — he is our soul. His decision inspires not just the team, but the world.”
The Business of Loyalty
While turning down $475 million may seem unthinkable, insiders believe Pogačar is positioned to earn plenty through ongoing endorsements with Red Bull, Colnago, and luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, as well as a potential future role in UAE cycling infrastructure.
He is also said to be in talks with Netflix and Prime Video about a behind-the-scenes docuseries chronicling his rise, career, and unprecedented loyalty, expected to stream by 2026.
What’s Next for the Slovenian Star?
With this dramatic saga now behind him, Pogačar is expected to focus on completing the elusive Giro-Tour double in 2026 and defend his Olympic title at the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Games.
Additionally, insiders say he is working with UAE to launch a youth cycling initiative in both Slovenia and the Middle East — aiming to “bridge global cycling talent through mentorship, access, and unity.”
Final Thoughts
In a sport increasingly influenced by sponsorship wars, mergers, and multi-million dollar transfers, Tadej Pogačar’s decision to stay loyal to UAE Team Emirates is a throwback to a bygone era — and a defining moment for the future of cycling.
With grace, grit, and now, global admiration, Pogačar has proven that some champions chase more than trophies — they chase honor.
And in doing so, he may have just cemented his greatest victory yet.
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