Tadej Pogacar - by Andy McGrath (Hardcover)

About the Book

The first in-depth biography of the modern era's greatest cyclist, written by William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award-winning journalist.

Book Synopsis

'The best bike rider that ever lived' - Chris Boardman CBE

The first in-depth biography of the modern era's greatest cyclist and four-time Tour de France champion, Tadej Pogacar, written by award-winning journalist Andy McGrath.

Tadej Pogacar is not like any other professional cyclist. The Slovenian is a sporting phenomenon. He has won almost everything there is to win in bike racing, has done so with breathtaking audacity and style - and all by the age of 26.

This comprehensive biography follows his meteoric rise to the top, recounts his greatest race wins and rivalries, and reveals the character, motivation and skills that have led to his domination of elite cycling.

Experienced cycling journalist Andy McGrath has documented the versatile superstar's development from his victory in the Tour de l'Avenir in 2018 to his Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Il Lombardia and Tour of Flanders successes and his historic 2024 season, when he won cycling's prestigious triple crown of the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championship road race. His victories include three Tours de France (2020, 2021 and 2024).

McGrath explores how this diminutive child from the small, mountainous nation of Slovenia first took up the sport, his emerging talent as a teenager and the role played by his UAE Team Emirates coaches and management. He also gets the inside story from those close to him, trusted teammates and fierce adversaries.

It is not only what Pogacar has won, but the manner in which he wins that also makes him so unique and popular. McGrath gets to the very heart of the cycling phenomenon that is 'Pogi' - and the fascinating young man behind the runaway success story.

Review Quotes

"'Andy McGrath's in-depth biography covers Pogi's meteoric rise, his victories and rivalries, while revealing more about the character behind the sporting domination' " --Cyclist

"The guy to beat" --Mathieu van der Poel

"This fascinating new biography draws on multiple sources to try to explain how the Slovenian became the best cyclist of his generation while shining a light on the trajectory of the winner of four Tour de France, ten monuments, two world championships, a Giro d'Italia and more" --The Times

"Excellent" --David Walsh, SUNDAY TIMES

"He's a different level, riding in a different world" --Geraint Thomas

"The best rider of the century" --Chris Froome

"A natural born racer" --Bernard Hinault

"Excellent" --PEZ Cycling News

"McGrath gets to the very heart of the cycling phenomenon that is 'Pogi'" --Outspoken Cyclist Podcast

"This comprehensive biography traces his meteoric rise to the top, recounts his most excellent race wins and rivalries, and reveals the character, motivation, and skills that have led to his dominance in elite cycling" --Road Bike Rider

About the Author

Andy McGrath is an award-winning freelance sports journalist, who has been covering professional cycling since 2009. Formerly editor of Rouleur magazine and chief reporter at Cycling Weekly, he has also written about the sport for the Telegraph, the Guardian and the Financial Times. He is the author of God is Dead, a biography of Belgian star Frank Vandenbroucke, and Tom Simpson: Bird on the Wire, which won the 2017 William Hill Sports Book of the Year accolade. @Andymcgra