“People say I retired early… but I did 14 seasons. I retired from road racing at 33, and I still did another year in mountain bike. I don’t feel like I left too soon. I don’t know whether Pogacar or the others will do the same. It depends on each person. I started very young, and I was ready to close that chapter,” he told Marca.
“Everything is much more controlled” – Sagan on modern cycling
Sagan pointed to a sizeable shift in how races unfold, suggesting that scientific progression has changed the dynamic for both riders and fans. “I wouldn’t say its boring, but… its true that sometimes, two hours before the finish, you already know who is going to win. That changes the feeling a bit. Overall, yes: everything is much more controlled,” he said.
“But even when I was racing it was also controlled: checks, weight, nutrition, everything. The science has taken another step forward, that’s for sure.”
He praised the current leading trio, adding: “It’s a different way of racing, that’s for sure. And the level is incredibly high. Between them they put on a great show for the fans,” in reference to Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard and Mathieu van der Poel.
Sagan also noted that modern preparation leaves little room for improvisation or flamboyance, though personal expression has not disappeared. “There is always some. But yes, nutrition and those aspects have changed a lot. Before, things were controlled as well (anti-doping checks, weight…) but now its even more. Everything is measured even more precisely.”
When asked whether riders can still catch rivals off guard, he replied: “It depends who you are. For a Van der Poel or a Pogacar its not difficult to surprise. For others, maybe yes.”
Sagan was arguably the most entertaining rider of his era
Life after the WorldTour
Sagan said he has no regrets about leaving competition behind, emphasising personal priorities rather than sporting targets. “I never felt burdened by being a rockstar. It was part of the game. Now, though, I travel more than when I was a cyclist. But what really makes me think is my son. He’s eight years old and I want to spend more time with him, talk to him more, do more things together. And now I can.”
Looking back on those he enjoyed facing most, he highlighted several iconic names. “Van Avermaet, Boonen, Cancellara, Cavendish… and Kittel. Against Kittel I never beat him in a straight sprint: when victory was on the line he always got there first. Id finish eighth or ninth… but in a head-to-head I never defeated him.”