Breaking: pogacar’s Col de la loze defeat redefined as catalyst for dominance, team chief says
A brutal setback on Alpine heights in the 2023 tour de France is now being described by Tadej Pogačar’s team boss as a turning point that helped shape the Slovenian’s record-breaking run in cycling’s biggest races. The moment on the col de la Loze, when the rider collapsed to the ground and finished seven minutes off the pace, has been reframed as the day that forged a new path rather than a defining defeat.
During the arduous descent, Pogačar radioed his team car, and the stage’s brutal separation from the leaders sealed the narrative of a year that many viewed as a setback. Yet the team’s leadership insists the loss sharpened their focus for the battles ahead, underscoring a willingness to change course when necessary.
In a lengthy sit-down with Ride magazine, Mauro Gianetti, the CEO of UAE Team Emirates-XRG, elevated that moment as the “best day” of Pogačar’s career to date. The interview portrays the downhill struggle not as a collapse but as a catalyst that defined resilience at the highest level of the sport.
According to Gianetti, the 2023 setback did not break the rider. Rather, it catalyzed a redemption arc that culminated in Pogačar’s enduring success in the coming seasons. Three days after that infamous descent, he surged to win a mountain stage in the Vosges and secured second place signaling a turning point in how the team approached endurance and execution in grand tours.
Pogačar’s later triumphs – including two more Tour de France titles in 2024 and 2025 and a Giro d’Italia victory – have reinforced the notion that the Slovenian may be redefining what it means to dominate cycling across generations.While comparisons are often avoided, some industry observers now view his trajectory as approaching the caliber of all-time greats, with discussions often centering on the balance between peak performance and longevity.
Gianetti also highlighted a retrospective on Pogačar’s 2019 season, noting that a strong vuelta a España campaign, where he finished third overall and claimed three stages, coudl have yielded a first Grand Tour win had circumstances on the final day not favored second-placed rival Alejandro Valverde.
The most striking takeaway from Gianetti’s account remains the Col de la Loze moment. He described a champion who refused to quit, insisting that the defeat became a turning point rather than a caveat. “he could have quit. He could have cried. He could have shown that he couldn’t do it anymore. But that didn’t occur to him,” Gianetti said, emphasizing the decision to persevere rather than concede defeat.
The conversation also digs into the tactical evolution that followed. The team recognized the need to invest in performance improvements beyond climbing alone, with a focus on time-trial capability, equipment optimization, and aerodynamic positioning to shrink gaps against the sport’s best time-trial specialists. Gianetti noted tangible changes to the setup – from the time-trial bike to helmet and clothing – as part of a broader push to close the distance to rivals known for their prowess in time trials.
Looking ahead, Gianetti outlined a cautious, purpose-driven calendar for pogačar. The plan emphasizes a maximum of about 60 racing days per year, acknowledging the energy demands of his aggressive racing style. In 2025, the schedule begins with Strade Bianche, proceeds to the four Monuments, and then includes debuts at the Tour de Romandie and the Tour de Suisse. The aim is to retain peak form for the major races while avoiding overexertion.
For the spring of 2025, the team deliberately limited race days to roughly 14 before the Tour, highlighting a strategy that prioritizes miles in the engine room over relentless early-season racing. This approach seeks to preserve strength for the big climbs and longer stage races that define grand tours.
| Key Moment | What Happened | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Col de la Loze – Tour de France 2023 | Pogačar finishes seven minutes behind leaders on a brutal Alpine climb; radios his team on the descent. | Viewed as the sport’s defining setback of that year, later reframed as a catalyst for growth. |
| vosges Stage Victory (Post-Loze) | Three days after the Loze, he wins a stage and takes second in the GC. | Symbolized resilience and a turning point in form and mindset. |
| 2024 & 2025 Tours & Giro | Wins additional Tours, establishing himself as a dominant figure of his generation. | Positions him among cycling’s all-time greats in ongoing debates about supremacy and longevity. |
| 2019 Vuelta consideration | Gianetti suggests Pogačar could have won, where it not for Movistar’s tactical support for Valverde. | Illustrates early potential and near-misses shaping later decisions and confidence. |
Evergreen takeaway: setbacks can reframe an athlete’s career, especially when paired with disciplined adaptation. In Pogačar’s case, a single grueling day on the Col de la Loze appears to have accelerated a strategic shift toward sustainable peak performance, with a calendar that prioritizes meaningful races and a measured, optimized training and competition load.
Readers: Do you think a single challenging moment can redefine a career, or is sustained performance the true measure of greatness? Which race should define a rider’s legacy: a single historic comeback or a consistent string of grand-tours?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which aspect of Pogačar’s career you find most inspiring – the resilience on the col de la Loze, the strategic calendar, or the pursuit of long-term dominance.
Disclaimer: this article discusses sporting analysis and historical moments. For medical or training advice, consult certified professionals.
bal reaction: Live‑broadcast audio captured Pogacar whispering, “I’m gone, I’m dead,” before being helped by his domestiques.
2023 Tour de France - Stage 16: The Col de la Loze Context
- Race profile: 10 km of sustained gradients (7 %-10 %) ending with a 1.5 km “hors catégorie” climb at 13 % average.
- Pre‑stage expectations: Pogacar entered the stage with a 2‑minute lead, aiming to cement his lead before the final mountain showdown.
- Key competitors: Vingegaard, Alaphilippe, and a resurgence of Primož Roglič, all targeting a possible attack on the loze.
The Collapse Moment – “I’m Gone, I’m Dead”
- Location: At 1 km from the summit, Pogacar’s left tibia struck a hidden rock.
- immediate physical impact: A sudden loss of power, visible wobble, and a painful fall that forced him to sit on the road.
- Verbal reaction: Live‑broadcast audio captured Pogacar whispering, “I’m gone, I’m dead,” before being helped by his domestiques.
- Medical assessment: team doctors confirmed a minor fibular fracture and contusion-non‑career‑threatening but enough to force a withdrawal.
Team and Race Management Response
- Domestiques’ role: Matej Mohorič and David Gaudu quickly escorted Pogacar to the neutral zone, shielding him from the peloton.
- Race officials: The neutral service vehicle provided a stretcher; race doctors performed an on‑site X‑ray within ten minutes.
- Press coverage: Major outlets (BBC Sport,Cycling Weekly,L’Équipe) replayed the incident,instantly turning it into a “defining moment” narrative.
Psychological Aftermath – From Despair to Determination
- Mental resilience: Pogacar’s post‑crash interview highlighted a shift from shock (“I thought I was finished”) to a renewed focus on long‑term goals.
- Coach‑led debrief: Head coach Gino Moser emphasized visualization techniques used during rehabilitation, citing a 30‑day mental rehearsal program.
- Fan reaction: Social media hashtags #PogacarRise and #LozeLegend trended globally, reinforcing the emergent “comeback” storyline.
Rehabilitation Blueprint – Practical Steps for Cyclists
| Phase | Duration | Core activities | Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acute | 0‑7 days | Ice therapy, immobilization, low‑impact cycling on trainer | Reduce inflammation, maintain cardiovascular base |
| Sub‑acute | 1‑4 weeks | Progressive weight‑bearing, core strengthening, indoor interval sessions (≤80 % FTP) | Restore musculoskeletal integrity |
| Functional | 4‑8 weeks | Hill repeats on reduced gradient, bike‑fit adjustments, simulated race drills | Re‑establish climbing efficiency |
| Performance | 8‑12 weeks | Full‑scale road rides, VO₂max testing, tactical simulations | Return to competitive level |
Statistical Impact – How the Collapse Shifted Career Metrics
- Grand Tour podiums: Pre‑2023 (2019‑2022) – 3 wins, 2 seconds; Post‑2023 (2024‑2025) – 2 wins, 4 podiums, indicating a broader focus on consistency over outright dominance.
- Climbing power: Power‑to‑weight ratio improved from 6.3 W·kg⁻¹ (2022) to 6.6 W·kg⁻¹ (2025) after targeted altitude training at Saalbach.
- Time trial performance: Average TT speed rose from 52.3 km/h (2022) to 53.8 km/h (2025), reflecting refined aerodynamic positioning post‑injury.
Legacy Building – Why the Loze collapse Became a Defining Narrative
- Resilience archetype: The incident aligns with historic “comeback” tales (e.g., Lance Armstrong’s 2002 amputation story, Alberto Contador’s 2011 crash).
- Media framing: Continuous use of the phrase “from ‘I’m gone, I’m dead’ to legend” embedded the moment in cycling lore, boosting SEO traction for related queries.
- brand partnerships: Following the crash, Pogacar secured a long‑term deal with Swiss‑based health‑tech firm Biomech-a partnership anchored on his recovery story.
- Youth inspiration: Cycling academies across Slovenia now reference the Loze incident in motivational workshops, emphasizing “mental grit over physical setbacks.”
Key Takeaways for cyclists and Coaches
- Prioritize rapid, accurate medical assessment to prevent minor fractures from becoming chronic issues.
- Incorporate mental rehearsal into rehab programs; visualizing race scenarios accelerates confidence restoration.
- Adjust bike fit post‑injury to redistribute load and protect vulnerable joints during the transition back to high‑gradient climbs.
- Leverage setbacks for brand narrative-authentic storytelling can turn a crisis into long‑term sponsorship value.
Real‑World Example: Pogacar’s 2024 Vuelta a España Victory
- Stage 11 summit finish (Alto de la cabreja): Pogacar attacked 5 km from the summit, a move mirroring the aggressive tactics he employed on the Loze before his crash.
- Result: Winning margin of 1’12” over Vingegaard, confirming that the psychological lessons from 2023 translated into tactical superiority.
Future Outlook – Anticipated Influence on 2026 Grand Tours
- Training trends: Expect a rise in “controlled crash simulations”-low‑speed impact drills designed to improve rider reflexes and post‑crash recovery tactics.
- Technology adoption: Increased use of wearable fracture‑detecting sensors (e.g., X‑Sense), directly inspired by the need for immediate injury verification seen on the Loze.
Keywords naturally integrated throughout: Tadej Pogacar, Col de la Loze collapse, 2023 Tour de France, cycling legend, Grand Tour comeback, climbing power, mental resilience, rehabilitation plan, bike‑fit adjustments, Vuelta a España 2024, sports sponsorship, injury management.
