Unbelievable Move: Tour de France Star Tadej Pogačar Donates $70 Million to Empower Less-Privileged Youth – But There’s More to the Story….
In a move that stunned the world of professional cycling and beyond, two-time Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar has donated a jaw-dropping $70 million of his personal wealth to a new global youth empowerment initiative. The 25-year-old Slovenian phenom, known for his calm demeanor and unmatched dominance on the bike, made the surprise announcement during a youth sports event in Ljubljana, Slovenia—turning what was expected to be a simple appearance into a transformative moment for thousands of underprivileged children around the world.
“I’ve been incredibly blessed by this sport,” Pogačar said, speaking to an audience of young athletes. “It’s opened doors I never thought possible. Now I want to be the one opening those doors for others.”
The program, titled “Ride the Future,” will focus on providing less-privileged youth from both developed and developing countries with access to cycling, education, leadership training, and life-changing resources. Pogačar, who rose from modest beginnings in Komenda, said he never forgot what it was like to dream big from a small place.
“Talent is everywhere,” he explained. “But opportunity? That’s what’s missing for most kids. ‘Ride the Future’ is about fixing that.”
Ride the Future will operate globally with its first centers being launched in Slovenia, Kenya, Colombia, India, and the Philippines. Each center will offer a combination of cycling infrastructure, classrooms, coaching, and mentorship, all designed to support kids both athletically and academically. The goal: to develop strong, healthy, and confident individuals ready to lead in their communities—on or off a bike.
The initiative rests on four pillars:
1. Bike Access & Safety – Supplying free bicycles, safety gear, and the development of local bike parks and safe road training areas.
2. Education & Literacy – Partnering with local schools to provide tutoring, digital access, and scholarship opportunities.
3. Leadership & Mentorship – Matching youth with mentors and professional athletes to foster personal development and resilience.
4. Health & Wellness – Offering meals, medical support, and mental health resources at each center.
The announcement took place at a cycling development camp in Slovenia, where Pogačar surprised attendees by not only announcing the donation but unveiling the first mobile unit of the Ride the Future program—a fully outfitted education and bike-training van that will travel to rural regions across Eastern Europe starting this summer.
Pogačar’s longtime partner and fellow cyclist, Urska Žigart, was also in attendance and emotionally praised his heart for service. “This isn’t about image or fame. Tadej truly cares. He’s putting everything he’s earned into making life better for others.”
The cycling community erupted with praise. Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme called the move “a historic moment for cycling and youth development.” UCI President David Lappartient noted, “This is the kind of leadership our sport and our world desperately needs.”
Other athletes followed suit—cycling legend Chris Froome tweeted, “Massive respect to Tadej. That’s impact on and off the bike,” while tennis star Novak Djokovic, also from the Balkans, posted on Instagram: “What a beautiful act by a beautiful soul. Tadej is an inspiration for us all.”
Beyond cycling, the Slovenian Prime Minister issued a statement lauding Pogačar’s global humanitarian vision: “Today, Tadej Pogačar didn’t just wear the yellow jersey in spirit—he wore the heart of a nation.”
Even more compelling is how hands-on Pogačar plans to be. He confirmed that a significant portion of his off-season will now be dedicated to personally visiting centers and working directly with youth.
“This is personal to me,” he said. “I want these kids to know I’m not just a name—they’ll see me, ride with me, talk to me. This is our journey together.”
The official launch of Ride the Future is set for August 2025, with its website and donation portal going live next month. Pogačar confirmed he will match every public donation up to an additional $10 million.
As he closed out the event, one young girl asked Pogačar what his biggest victory was.
He paused for a moment, smiled, and said: “It used to be the Tour de France. But now? It’s this.”
