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Retiring Sagan has no interest in comparing his cycling era

His Tour de France achievements include twelve stage wins and seven green jerseys.

Retiring Sagan has no interest in comparing his cycling era

After a brief period with the Pierre Baguette Cycling Team, Peter Sagan concluded his road cycling career in mid-2024. The 34-year-old Slovak, after fifteen years as a professional, retired from competitive cycling. Speaking on the Cyclist Magazine Podcast, the three-time road world champion shared insights into his current life, stressing that he avoids comparing modern cycling with the past.

Sagan secured his three rainbow jerseys consecutively in 2015, 2016, and 2017. Tying the record with Alfredo Binda, Rik van Steenbergen, Eddy Merckx, and Óscar Freire, he also triumphed in two Monuments, Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders. His Tour de France achievements include twelve stage wins and seven green jerseys. Despite a stellar career, his recent performances didn't match the zenith of his prime.

"The wattages I once reached are no longer attainable," Sagan admits. "Though I'm still very active and frequently cycle, my fitness isn't at the professional level anymore." He now relishes the communal aspect of cycling, occasionally enjoying indoor rides. "Cycling with friends or on a digital platform is enjoyable, yet it's a stark contrast to my previous experiences."

In light of today's exceptional cycling feats, such as Tadej Pogacar's outstanding performances, comparisons with previous eras are inevitable. However, Sagan expresses little interest in such debates. "Comparing today's cycling with that of five, ten, or fifteen years ago is futile; it's an unknown we can't ascertain."

Sagan acknowledges Pogacar's achievements: "What he has won is truly extraordinary."

Reflecting on his last competitive years against Pogacar, Mathieu van der Poel, and Wout van Aert, Sagan notes, "I no longer compete, but my later career saw me racing against them. The sport has undergone significant changes recently, making any comparison with past times like comparing it to Eddy Merckx's era—impractical."