The cycling world is in chaos after Tadej Pogačar’s explosive reaction to the UCI’s latest ranking update. The Slovenian superstar, now officially the world’s number one, accused rivals of jealousy and manipulation behind his back.
“They’re jealous and they want me to fall!” Pogačar shouted in an emotional outburst that quickly went viral. “I’ve worked for this every single day, and instead of respect, I get whispers and lies.” His voice cracked with anger.
The 27-year-old phenom has dominated every race he’s entered in 2025, earning the nickname “The King of Everything.” From one-day classics to grand tours, his performance has been nearly flawless—yet it seems to have sparked resentment among fellow riders.
Reports from inside the Slovenian cycling circle reveal growing tensions between Pogačar and other top national riders. Several teammates reportedly feel overshadowed, claiming that “the team is built around one man.”
The situation exploded earlier this week when leaked screenshots from a private group chat among Slovenian cyclists surfaced online. The messages allegedly showed sarcastic comments and strategic plans to “slow Pogačar down.”
“This isn’t rivalry—it’s betrayal,” said one of Pogačar’s close friends. “He trusted these guys. Now he feels like everyone’s turning against him.” The leak sent shockwaves through the cycling community, with fans demanding answers.
The UCI responded swiftly, announcing an internal review of the chat leaks and the “disturbing tone” they revealed. “We’re committed to maintaining fairness and respect among all competitors,” the federation said in a short statement.
Meanwhile, Pogačar’s raw, unfiltered reaction in a post-race interview has been viewed millions of times. “If they can’t beat me on the road, they’ll try to break me off it,” he said. “But they’ll never see me crumble.” His passion resonated deeply with fans.
However, not everyone agreed. Some critics argued that Pogačar’s comments risked dividing his team further and painting him as “paranoid.” Former pro Nicolas Roche commented, “He’s emotional, but he must be careful. Champions are always targeted—it comes with the crown.”
Inside UAE Team Emirates, team officials have reportedly called an emergency meeting to address the media fallout and restore unity. “We stand behind Tadej,” a team representative said. “But we need to cool things down before the Tour de France.”
The drama has reignited old debates about the mental toll of being at the top. “He’s human,” said a sports psychologist familiar with elite cycling. “Constant pressure, envy, and scrutiny can eat away at anyone’s confidence—even the strongest.”
As the investigation unfolds, one thing is certain: Pogačar’s dominance shows no sign of fading. Whether loved or hated, he remains the man to beat—and perhaps the most polarizing figure the sport has seen in years.
In the words of one commentator: “They can question his attitude, but they can’t question his power. Pogačar isn’t just winning races—he’s rewriting cycling history, one roar at a time.”
