Nicolas Roche Praises Tadej Pogačar’s Talent and Reflects on His Own Cycling Legacy
Nicolas Roche, the retired Irish professional cyclist and son of the legendary Stephen Roche, has recently offered high praise for Tadej Pogačar, one of the sport’s brightest young stars. As a former competitor in grand tours like the Tour de France and La Vuelta a España, Roche brings a unique perspective on Pogačar’s rise to dominance and the pressures of competing at the highest level.
Roche’s admiration for Pogačar stems from the Slovenian’s remarkable versatility and maturity, qualities that have seen him take two Tour de France titles by the age of 22. “He’s not only a phenomenal climber but also incredibly consistent,” said Roche. “To achieve what he has at such a young age, you can tell he’s built for grand tours.”
Pogačar’s ability to perform well in La Vuelta a España, a race notoriously known for its grueling mountain stages and unpredictable weather conditions, particularly impressed Roche. Pogačar has already proven his mettle in the Vuelta, finishing third overall in his debut year in 2019 and winning three stages in the process. For Roche, it’s Pogačar’s aggressive racing style and tactical nous that set him apart. “La Vuelta isn’t just about being a good climber or having strong legs. It’s about knowing when to attack, when to conserve energy, and having the mental toughness to deal with setbacks. Pogačar has all of that in abundance,” Roche explained.
La Vuelta holds a special place in the hearts of many cyclists due to its challenging terrain and the different demands it places on riders compared to the Tour de France or the Giro d’Italia. Roche himself is no stranger to the event, having participated several times throughout his career, including a notable performance in 2013 when he won a stage and finished fifth overall. “La Vuelta has always been a brutal race,” said Roche. “The high-altitude stages and intense heat can break even the strongest riders. But it’s also a race where attacking cyclists, like Pogačar, can really shine.”
When discussing his own career, Roche reflects on the pressures and expectations that came with being the son of Stephen Roche, the winner of the 1987 Tour de France and Giro d’Italia, and World Champion the same year. “There was always pressure to follow in his footsteps, but I tried to focus on making my own mark in the sport,” Roche said. “I had the privilege of learning from one of the best, but I also knew I had to find my own path.”
Despite the weight of his father’s legacy, Nicolas Roche managed to forge a successful career, with stage victories in both La Vuelta and the Tour de France, as well as representing Ireland in multiple World Championships and Olympic Games. He believes that Pogačar, while not born into a famous cycling family, shares a similar level of expectation as he continues to dominate the sport. “Tadej has become a household name in cycling, and with that comes pressure to keep winning. But from what I’ve seen, he thrives under that pressure, just like the greats.”
As the cycling world looks ahead to future editions of La Vuelta, the question remains whether Pogačar will add the Spanish Grand Tour to his list of accomplishments. Regardless of the outcome, Nicolas Roche believes that Pogačar is already cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. “He’s got the potential to win any grand tour he enters. It’s just a matter of time.”