Slovenian cycling star Tadej Pogačar raised €116,000 during the three-day “Pogi Challenge” event to support his hometown of Komenda, which was severely affected by a powerful storm in June.
The largest contribution came from an American bidder, who paid €95,000 for Pogačar’s torn jersey from this year’s Milan–San Remo race, where the 27-year-old Slovenian crashed before going on to claim victory.
“Thank you very much to everyone who supported us. These days have been truly wonderful, and I enjoyed spending time with all of you,” said Pogačar, a five-time Tour de France winner and three-time consecutive champion of the prestigious race, according to the Slovenian Press Agency (STA).
On the final day of the cycling festival held in his honor, Pogačar finished eighth in the uphill race to Krvavec, while Germany’s Frederik Niesen claimed victory. After the climb, the Slovenian cyclist returned to Komenda by helicopter alongside ski jumping world champion Domen Prevc.
Pogačar is also expected to announce soon whether he will compete in this year’s Vuelta a España. The UAE Team Emirates rider has yet to win the Spanish Grand Tour, which is scheduled to begin on August 22 in Monaco.
