Tadej Pogačar’s recovery has taken another interesting turn, with attention now shifting from his racing results to something much more noticeable — his physique. As the Slovenian superstar spends time away from competition, fans have begun wondering whether he is carrying a little more weight than they are used to seeing from him during the racing season.
For an elite cyclist, changes in body weight can be completely normal during a period away from racing. Professional riders typically reach their leanest condition when preparing for major stage races and championships, while recovery periods can involve reduced training loads, changes in nutrition and more emphasis on rebuilding the body.
In Pogačar’s situation, the priority is not necessarily maintaining his peak racing weight right now. Following his crash and subsequent injuries, the focus has been on healing, rehabilitation and gradually rebuilding his strength. That can naturally produce changes in body composition.
And there may be another side to it. A stronger physique could eventually help Pogačar return to training with a better foundation once his medical team gives him the green light. The goal at this stage is not simply to become as light as possible — it is to recover properly and regain the physical capacity required for professional racing.
That is why any visible weight gain should not automatically be interpreted as a setback. Without an official measurement or statement from Pogačar or UAE Team Emirates-XRG, it is impossible to know exactly how much his weight has changed or what is behind it.
One thing, however, is certain: the cycling world will be watching closely when Pogačar eventually returns to structured training. Will the time away change his physique — and could the new version of Tadej come back stronger than before?
