World-champion Tadej Pogačar exploded in anger at UAE Team Emirates after learning he would be blocked from returning to cyclocross competition. He issued an ultimatum: “Allow me to race cyclocross—or I walk away.”
Insiders reveal that Pogačar’s frustration has simmered for months, as he feels constrained by his road-programme and wants to jump into muddy fields once more under new UCI rules aimed at cross-discipline stars.
UCI President Peter Van Den Abeele confirmed a radical regulation change designed to “attract superstars off the road into the mud.” The rule gives road icons a clear pathway back into cyclocross and early-season cross events.
The new rule, described as “one hell of a punch” to the cycling world, apparently triggered Pogačar’s demand and shocked the UAE squad’s management just 24 hours ago. The team reportedly convened a crisis meeting overnight.
Inside the Emirates camp there’s panic. Senior directors fear losing the Slovenian leader whose road results are central. “If he quits, our season falls apart,” admitted a team source speaking anonymously.
Meanwhile Pogačar’s desire is genuine: before turning full-time road, he had dabbled in cyclocross and believes his talent suits the mud. He told confidants he “was born to dominate the muck” and craves a return.
Fans are torn online. Some scream praise: “Pogi back in the mud would be a spectacle.” Others condemn the ultimatum: “He’s held hostage by ego, not team loyalty.” The debate is raging.
A senior UCI official said the regulation aims to “revitalise cyclocross, attract big names, boost media interest” and Pogačar is the poster-boy for the shift. His demand thus hits the rule’s raison d’être head-on.
Sources suggest that the Emirates hierarchy will decide today: allow Pogačar to race cyclocross under the new regulation or risk the fallout. It’s a 24-hour deadline and tensions escalate by hour.
If the team caves, Pogačar could appear in a major cyclocross event this season—something that would shake up both road and cross calendars. If the team stands firm, a schism looms, potentially career-ending.
This week also sees rumours that Pogačar has privately drafted an agreement with cyclocross organisers, signalling he is serious. The UCI rule sets out minimum road-race appearances before cross-entry—Pogačar ticks the boxes.
UAE Team Emirates already rewrote history on the road, but cross discipline lacks star presence. Pogačar’s return would bring shockwaves—and advertisers, TV, media frenzy. The rule change was meant for exactly this kind of moment.
As the hours tick down the cycling world watches. Will Pogačar walk away or win the freedom to race across disciplines? The answer may redefine team contracts, athlete agency, and how cross-road cycling evolves.
For Pogačar, though, the decision is personal: “If they block me again, I’m done,” he said to insiders. It’s not about victories or fame—it’s about passion for the mud, the bike, the fight.
In short: Pogačar versus his road team in a battle over identity, cross racing and control. The UCI rule that sparked this fire may soon glow brighter than any yellow jersey yet.
Stay tuned as this saga develops. In 24 hours we may witness the biggest shake-up in cycling since Pogačar’s first Tour de France victory—someone is about to slide spectacularly through the mud, or walk away.
