In a recent interview, Tejay van Garderen expressed his surprise and disappointment regarding Tadej Pogacar’s compensation, stating that despite his immense talent and success, Pogacar is “massively underpaid” relative to his value in the cycling world. Van Garderen’s comments come amid reports of Pogacar’s latest contract extension with UAE Team Emirates, a deal that, while record-breaking in the context of the team’s finances, still raises questions about the broader financial structure of the sport.
Pogacar, a two-time Tour de France winner and one of the brightest stars in professional cycling, has revolutionized the sport with his youthful dominance, breaking numerous records and captivating fans worldwide. Yet, according to van Garderen, his financial rewards don’t seem to match his global impact. The American rider, who retired in 2022 after a successful career, pointed out that while cycling has made significant strides in terms of viewership and sponsorship, the riders themselves often still fall behind athletes in other high-profile sports when it comes to pay.
Van Garderen’s comments underscore an ongoing debate within the cycling world about the disparity between star athletes and their earnings. While teams and sponsors are profiting from the sport’s growing popularity, many riders—especially those not in the top-tier echelon—struggle to secure fair pay. For Pogacar, whose performances have propelled him into the ranks of sports superstars, there’s a sense that the financial rewards should reflect his value to the sport more comprehensively.
Ultimately, van Garderen’s remarks highlight a larger issue within cycling: the challenge of balancing the business side of the sport with fair compensation for athletes. Pogacar’s talent and influence are undeniable, but as cycling continues to evolve, questions around how to properly compensate its top riders will likely remain a topic of conversation.
