“From Middle Fingers to Thumbs Up” – How Pogacar and Roglic Have Changed Slovenian Cycling Culture

“From Middle Fingers to Thumbs Up” – Luka Mezgec on How Pogacar and Roglic Have Changed Slovenian Cycling Culture

This Sunday, Slovenia will field two of the top contenders for the Rainbow Jersey in the men’s elite road race at the 2024 World Championships in Switzerland: Tadej Pogacar and Primoz Roglic. Veteran cyclist Luka Mezgec, despite a recent crash during training, will be supporting the star duo.

Speaking with Wieler Revue, the 38-year-old Mezgec from Team Jayco AlUla highlighted the growth of Slovenian cycling, saying, “It’s the perfect showcase for Slovenian cycling. I believe our country will continue to be a cycling powerhouse in the future. Slovenia is generally a healthy country where exercise is ingrained from a young age. At my primary school, everyone participated in at least one sport. It’s part of our culture, with Pogacar and Roglic being our prime examples.”

Mezgec, who has been a part of the professional cycling scene longer than Pogacar and Roglic, has noticed a cultural shift in Slovenia since the two stars rose to fame. “When I first started cycling, drivers would flip me off, but now they give me a thumbs up,” Mezgec said with a laugh. “That’s the biggest difference compared to ten years ago. I’m thankful I’ve been able to witness this change.”

Over time, Mezgec has gotten to know both Pogacar and Roglic personally. “Primoz is laid-back, and so is Tadej, but Tadej is more of a playboy,” Mezgec remarked. “Tadej is unique in that he doesn’t just compete in cycling; he plays with it. For him, it’s a game. Another difference is that Primoz is more private, while Tadej is exactly the same on and off the bike.”

Even though Roglic has had tremendous success, Pogacar seems to lead the Slovenian team in Zürich. “When Tadej first started winning as a neo-pro, I told him to enjoy it because it wouldn’t last forever,” Mezgec recalled with a chuckle. “But Tadej hasn’t stopped winning—or enjoying himself.”