The season of collecting awards after an exceptionally successful 2025, in which he claimed 20 victories, reached its peak for Tadej in December. After receiving the Velo d’Or in Paris last week for the best cyclist in the world, he was proclaimed Slovenian Sportsman of the Year last night in Ljubljana.
This honor has now befallen Tadej for the fourth time: first in 2021, and then he strung together three consecutive titles starting in 2023. »I already remember from last year that the statuette is heavy, thank you very much. I have no complaints about my season, it really was top-notch. Every year I emphasize that it was the best so far, and this time it’s the same; I’m very pleased that I managed to surpass last year again. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I hope something will work out in the new season too. Slovenian sport is truly at its peak, a variety of sports are achieving top results, and I’m honored to be part of that. Slovenia really is exceptional in every area,« Tadej said via video message to those present in Cankarjev dom and to viewers in front of their TV screens.
At the moment he is in Benidorm in Spain, where he is preparing with his team UAE Team Emirates – XRG for the 2026 season, in which he will try to repeat, if not surpass, this year’s outstanding achievements. Among them, his fourth Tour victory, a second consecutive world champion title, his first European champion title, and wins in three of the five Monuments stand out.
What his plans are for next year will be revealed in more detail this Saturday at the media day of the UAE Team Emirates – XRG squad, with journalists from all over the world attending.