Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates Celebrate Tour de France Triumph, Express Gratitude to Supporters

Tadej Pogacar Dominates 2024 Tour de France, Thanks Fans for Their Support

To the victor go the spoils, and for Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates, that means securing more than one-third of the total prize pot of €2,282,200 (£1.9m) from this year’s Tour de France.

For a team with a budget around €50m (£42m) and a rider like Pogacar earning six to seven million euros annually, plus endorsements, the €806,810 share of the Tour’s prize fund is a modest addition. From Florence to Nice, the 25-year-old Slovenian dominated his rivals, sometimes appearing to toy with them. After winning the Giro d’Italia in May by nearly 10 minutes, Pogacar could have achieved a similar margin in the Tour had he been more aggressive earlier on.

Pogacar, one of cycling’s “big four” stage race riders along with Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel, and Primoz Roglic, has been collecting cash and accolades in 2024. As the first rider in the 21st century to achieve the Giro-Tour double, Pogacar now stands alone. However, in keeping with tradition, he will split his half a million euros prize money with his team and backroom staff.

Following his Tour victory, Pogacar will compete in a lucrative post-Tour criterium in Surhuisterveen, further boosting his earnings. But for Pogacar, the real wealth lies in his legacy, endorsements, sponsorships, and high-profile appearances.

Pogacar’s sports director, Matxin Fernández, praises his rider’s character and attitude, calling him “perfection” as a cyclist. He also credits the entire team for their support, acknowledging that Pogacar’s success is backed by one of the strongest stage racing teams ever assembled. From Adam Yates to João Almeida, many of his teammates could lead other teams, providing Pogacar with unparalleled support.

Pogacar now prepares for the Olympic Games, aiming to improve on his bronze medal from Tokyo. He will lead Slovenia’s four-man team in Paris, facing tough competition from riders like Evenepoel, Vingegaard’s teammate Wout van Aert, Mathieu van der Poel, Julian Alaphilippe, and Tom Pidcock.

Despite being a marked man, Pogacar’s self-belief remains unshaken. “There will always be doubts, because of cycling before my time,” he said. “In any sport, if somebody’s winning, there’s always jealousy, there’s always haters. If you don’t have haters, you’re not succeeding.”

Pogacar also took a moment to thank his fans for their unwavering support. “Your encouragement and belief in me have been a driving force throughout this journey,” he said. “I am grateful for every cheer, message, and gesture of support. This victory is as much yours as it is mine.”