Tadej Pogacar has not only solidified his place in cycling history but also established himself as the highest-paid rider in the peloton with a groundbreaking contract extension. 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, as reported by Cyclingnews, Pogacar will earn €50 million over six years with UAE Team Emirates, plus potential bonuses and an eye-popping €200 million buyout clause. His salary increase to €8 million per year places him ahead of rivals Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard, who each earn around €5 million annually.

Commitment Through 2030

This new contract, which keeps Pogacar with UAE Team Emirates through 2030, highlights his dedication to the team he’s called home for the last five years. 

“This team has been my home now for the last five years, and I truly can't imagine myself anywhere else," Pogacar said when the contract was announced. 

UAE Team Emirates manager Mauro Gianetti underscored Pogacar’s loyalty, stating, “Tadej is not on the market… He doesn’t want to leave the team.”

A 'Perfect' 2024 Season

Reflecting on his extraordinary 2024 season, Pogacar described it as “perfect.” He completed the rare Giro-Tour double, claimed the World Championship title, and achieved an impressive 25 wins. 

“I never imagined being at this level,” he said recently in Abu Dhabi. “As long as I have fun, I'll never change. That’s how I like cycling; I want to enjoy it. When it’s not enjoyable, it doesn’t make sense to do it.”

Pogacar’s fearless, solo riding style has sparked discussions among fans, with some suggesting his dominance may lessen the excitement of the sport. He responded candidly, saying, “I’ve seen some highlights but not full races because I don’t know how much fun it is to watch a rider ride 50km alone…” he joked to La Gazzetta.

Goals For 2025: Defending The Tour Title

Looking ahead, Pogacar has set his primary objective for 2025: defending his Tour de France title. “The Tour will be central to my season in 2025,” he said. 

He’s fully aware of the challenges ahead, particularly from Jonas Vingegaard, who is expected to be a formidable opponent. “I know I’ll clash with Jonas Vingegaard,” he said. “He’s a huge rival, and I’m sure he’ll be stronger than ever.”

Beyond the Tour de France, Pogacar aims to compete in Milano-Sanremo, a cobbled classic, and the World Championships in Africa. 

UAE Team Emirates manager Gianetti hinted at the possibility of Pogacar taking on a second Grand Tour, potentially the Giro or Vuelta. “He could do another Grand Tour double,” Gianetti noted, though he ruled out Paris-Roubaix, adding, “We can’t expect him to always be a phenomenon.”