World champion Tadej Pogačar is listed as one of the five contenders for the esteemed Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award, recognizing his accomplishments at the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Road World Championships in 2024.
The leader of UAE Team Emirates-XRG is named alongside the top male competitors in global sports – tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, F1 racer Max Verstappen, swimmer Léon Marchand, and pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis.
The nomination highlights Pogačar’s having “one of the most extraordinary seasons in cycling history,” and if he triumphs, he would be included among a distinguished group of winners such as Lionel Messi, Rafael Nadal, and Usain Bolt.
Olympic mountain bike world champion Tom Pidcock (Q36.5 Pro Cycling) has also been nominated for the Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year, competing with notable figures such as Olympic skateboarder Yuto Horigome and snowboarding sensation Chloe Kim.
This marks the initial occasion that Pogačar has received a nomination for the award, which has recognized sporting accomplishments since 2000 and is regarded as one of the highest accolades an athlete can attain. The 25th edition of the awards aims to “recognize the past, commemorate the present, and motivate the future.”
The trophies are determined through a vote by the members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, consisting of 69 “sporting legends” who will choose the recipients of ‘The Laureus’ awards.
Last year, the Sportsman of the Year accolade was awarded to Novak Djokovic, while the Sportswoman of the Year title went to footballer Aitana Bonmatí.
Only one cyclist has won the award, which was given to Lance Armstrong in 2003, but it was later revoked due to his doping violations.
A Season for the History Books
Pogačar’s 2024 campaign will be remembered as one of the greatest in modern cycling. From the very beginning of the year, he established himself as the man to beat, putting on stunning performances in every major race he entered.
His dominance at the Giro d’Italia was a defining moment. Despite competing in the grueling Grand Tour for the first time in his career, he controlled the race with an unmatched level of strength and endurance. He won multiple stages, including high-altitude mountain finishes where he left his competitors trailing. His ability to attack at the right moments, coupled with his powerful climbing skills, made his victory a foregone conclusion.
The Tour de France, cycling’s most prestigious race, brought a thrilling showdown. Pogačar went head-to-head with defending champion Jonas Vingegaard in a dramatic battle across the three-week event. The two riders pushed each other to their limits, exchanging stage wins and testing their endurance in some of the toughest mountain stages in recent memory. Though Pogačar ultimately fell short of securing the overall victory, his aggressive riding style and fearless attacks won him widespread admiration.
At the Road World Championships, he capped off his season in spectacular fashion by winning the prestigious rainbow jersey. The one-day event, which features the best cyclists from around the world, saw Pogačar once again demonstrate his tactical brilliance. His ability to read the race, time his efforts perfectly, and deliver a powerful final push to the finish line solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s most complete riders.
A Unique Talent
What sets Pogačar apart is not just his ability to win races, but the way he wins them. He is an aggressive rider who never hesitates to attack, making every race he enters more exciting for spectators. Unlike some Grand Tour specialists who focus solely on stage races, Pogačar has also excelled in one-day classics, proving his versatility as a cyclist.
His victories in races like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders show his rare ability to compete across different formats. Very few riders in history have been able to transition between multi-week Grand Tours and single-day classics with such success.
At just 25 years old, Pogačar has already achieved more than many riders do in their entire careers. His list of accomplishments includes two Tour de France victories, multiple Monuments, and now a world championship title.
The Importance of the Laureus Nomination
The Laureus World Sports Awards are among the highest honors in global athletics. Often described as the “Oscars of Sports,” the awards recognize the best athletes across all disciplines, celebrating those who have made a significant impact in their field.
Cycling has rarely been recognized at this level, making Pogačar’s nomination even more significant. Since the award’s inception in 2000, only one cyclist—Lance Armstrong—has ever won. However, his title was later revoked following revelations of doping, meaning no cyclist has officially held the honor.
Pogačar’s inclusion among the nominees signals a growing appreciation for the sport’s top athletes. While sports like football, tennis, and Formula 1 tend to dominate global awards, cycling remains one of the most physically demanding and strategically complex disciplines.
If he wins, Pogačar would join an elite list of past winners that includes Roger Federer, Michael Schumacher, Usain Bolt, and Lionel Messi. The recognition would not only cement his place as one of the top athletes of his generation but also elevate cycling’s status on the global sporting stage.
Strong Competition
Winning the award will not be easy, as Pogačar is up against some of the biggest names in world sports.
- Carlos Alcaraz (Tennis): The young Spaniard has taken the tennis world by storm, winning multiple Grand Slams and establishing himself as the successor to legends like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.
- Max Verstappen (Formula 1): The Red Bull driver has dominated the F1 grid, securing yet another world championship with a near-flawless season.
- Léon Marchand (Swimming): One of the most promising swimmers of his generation, Marchand broke world records and won multiple gold medals at international events.
- Mondo Duplantis (Pole Vaulting): The Swedish pole vaulter has rewritten the record books, consistently raising the bar—both literally and figuratively—in his sport.
Each of these athletes has had an extraordinary year, making the selection process highly competitive. However, Pogačar’s achievements across multiple disciplines within cycling give him a strong case.
What’s Next for Pogačar?
With 2024 being such a landmark year, fans and analysts are eager to see what comes next for the Slovenian superstar. Many believe he has the potential to achieve even greater feats, possibly winning all three Grand Tours—Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España—a feat only a few cyclists in history have managed.
His attacking style and relentless drive suggest he will continue to push boundaries, aiming for new milestones and records. Beyond stage races, his ability to compete in one-day classics means he could expand his list of Monument wins, further solidifying his status as a well-rounded cycling great.
Regardless of the outcome of the Laureus Awards, Pogačar’s 2024 season has already secured its place in history. His performances have not only thrilled cycling fans but have also introduced the sport to a wider audience. As one of the most exciting riders of his generation, he is poised to leave an enduring legacy in the world of professional cycling.
