Everyone could see that beneath his flawlessly styled hair was a young rider from Rog, who would forever cherish the memory of giving a champion his very first haircut with pride.
At a glamorous event marking the 75th anniversary of Slovenian cycling powerhouse KD Rog, Tadej Pogacar, the
two-time Tour de France champion, was the star of the evening. The occasion, held at the Grand Plaza Hotel in
Ljubljana, was a celebration of Slovenia’s rich cycling heritage and a showcase of the country’s best talents. Among
the most anticipated moments of the night was the presentation of the prestigious Rog’s Golden Bicycle award.
Unsurprisingly, Pogacar—who began his career with the Rog cycling school—claimed the honor for his outstanding
achievements in the sport.
The evening was a double celebration for the Pogacar family, as Tadej’s fiancée, Urska Zigart, was also honored with
the Golden Bicycle in the women’s category. But while the awards themselves were impressive, it was a surprising
detail involving Tadej’s appearance that caught the attention of the media and attendees alike: his unique, carefully
styled haircut.
The twist? The man behind Tadej’s stylish new do wasn’t a seasoned professional or high-end stylist, but rather a 15-
year-old rider from his own youth team. This unexpected collaboration highlighted a special bond between Pogacar
and his roots in the Rog cycling school. While the teenager was undoubtedly thrilled to have the opportunity to style
one of Slovenia’s most celebrated athletes, the moment also served as a reminder of the close-knit community that
helped shape Pogacar’s career from the very beginning.
For Pogacar, the decision to trust a young rider with his hair is a testament to the values of humility and mentorship
that he carries with him. Despite his immense success on the international stage, Pogacar has always remained
grounded, often returning to his roots in Ljubljana to support the team that helped launch his career. The act of
letting a young rider experiment with his hairstyle not only added a personal touch to the evening but also served as
a beautiful gesture of encouragement for the next generation of Slovenian cyclists.
The 15-year-old hairdresser, who had grown up watching Pogacar’s rise to stardom, could hardly contain his
excitement. For the young cyclist, it was an unforgettable moment that will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration
for years to come. After all, for many young athletes, having their hero trust them with something as personal as
their appearance is a huge confidence booster. The haircut also served as a symbolic passing of the torch—a small yet
meaningful moment in which the world of professional cycling was brought down to earth.
For Pogacar, however, the gesture spoke volumes. His humility and willingness to stay connected to his origins are
part of what makes him such a beloved figure not just in Slovenia, but around the world. While Pogacar’s athleticism
and achievements on the bike are legendary, it is his connection to his community and his willingness to encourage
others that truly set him apart.
As Pogacar walked away with his Golden Bicycle that night, the applause echoed not just for his athleticism but for
the values of camaraderie, mentorship, and humility that he so effortlessly embodies. And, of course, everyone knew
that behind his perfectly styled hair, there was a young rider from Rog who would now carry the memory of his first
cut for a champion with pride.
