Imagine pedaling through the grueling stages of the Tour de France, only to lose the coveted yellow jersey. Most riders would be devastated, but Tadej Pogacar turned this defeat into a heartwarming gesture that reveals a lot about his character. In a recent podcast appearance on Jakob Fuglsang’s Fuglsang i Feltet, Pogacar shared a story that goes beyond the finish line—a tale of camaraderie, shared obsessions, and unconventional gratitude. But here’s where it gets intriguing: his gift wasn’t just a token of appreciation; it was a symbol of the unbreakable bond forged during one of cycling’s most demanding races.
During the 2023 Tour de France, Pogacar and his UAE Team Emirates teammates found solace in an unlikely topic: coffee. Their daily bus rides became a mobile café of sorts, with conversations revolving around brewing techniques, bean origins, and the perfect espresso. After losing the yellow jersey to Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar decided to channel his disappointment into something meaningful. “Every day on the bus, before and after the stage, we talked about coffee,” he recalled. “So, I thought, why not give them something that celebrates those moments?” And thus, each rider received a high-end Marzocco coffee machine—a gift that was both personal and practical.
But here’s the part most people miss: Pogacar’s gesture wasn’t just about the coffee. It was a reminder of the resilience and unity they displayed during a Tour that didn’t go their way. Each machine became a tangible memory of their shared struggle, a daily ritual that would keep their bond alive long after the race ended. Even Pogacar himself has embraced cycling’s growing amateur-barista culture, proudly owning a Marzocco Micra. “I’m still mastering the rosetta,” he admitted with a laugh, “but hey, practice makes perfect.”
This isn’t the first time Pogacar has surprised his teammates with unconventional gifts. After his 2021 Tour de France victory, he gifted them Green Egg barbecue smokers—a move that left Brandon McNulty scratching his head. “I live in an apartment in Girona,” McNulty joked. “Where am I supposed to put this?” Yet, these gifts reveal a deeper truth about Pogacar: he values connection over convention. While some winners opt for cash or vacations, Pogacar chooses gifts that reflect his passions and foster a sense of togetherness.
And this is where it gets controversial: Are Pogacar’s gifts genuinely thoughtful, or are they self-indulgent projections of his own interests? Some might argue that a barbecue smoker or coffee machine isn’t universally practical. But perhaps that’s the point. Pogacar’s gifts aren’t about utility—they’re about creating shared experiences and memories. Whether it’s smoking ribs or brewing espresso, these gifts become rituals that keep the team connected long after the race ends.
From Green Egg smokers to Marzocco machines, Pogacar’s end-of-Tour presents tell a story of gratitude, camaraderie, and a touch of whimsy. They challenge the traditional notion of what a “thank you” should look like, inviting us to rethink how we celebrate shared journeys. So, here’s a question for you: If you were in Pogacar’s shoes, what unconventional gift would you choose to honor your teammates? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments—agree or disagree, I want to hear your thoughts!
