Slovenian Cycling Star Jakob Omrzel Reveals Rigorous Approach to Reaching Tadej Pogačar’s Level
slovenia – Rising cycling sensation Jakob Omrzel, 19, attributes his rapid advancement adn future ambitions to a holistic dedication mirroring that of fellow Slovenian and cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar. In a recent interview, Omrzel detailed the intense focus on diet, rest, and training that fuels his pursuit of a long and successful career at the WorldTour level with Bahrain Victorious.
Omrzel, the 2023 Giro Next Gen winner and national champion, acknowledges the challenges of maintaining peak performance throughout a season. “It’s very hard in one season to hit top shape twice,” he explained, referencing a post-Giro Next Gen form dip before regaining momentum at the World Championships and in Croatia – a pattern his team sought.
The young climber emphasizes the importance of learning from setbacks.”I think the moments of disappointment are the most significant in sport,” Omrzel stated. ”When everything is going perfectly, nothing feels arduous. But in crisis moments, when you have to fight thru it, that’s where you learn and grow the most.”
Omrzel’s approach isn’t driven by immediate results,but a long-term vision. He plans to prioritize week-long races before tackling three-week Grand Tours, believing a measured progression is key to longevity.
However, the ultimate benchmark remains Pogačar. “Tadej isn’t the best in the world only as he is an amazing talent,” Omrzel said. “He dedicates all his time to cycling… Everything in his life is structured around cycling: diet, rest, training. He dose everything at 100%. That’s why he is the best rider in the world.”
Omrzel’s willingness to support teammates, even as a promising leader, has also been noted. he readily offered assistance at the Tours of Slovenia and Croatia,demonstrating a team-frist mentality valued within the WorldTour. He acknowledges the potential difficulties for veteran riders when younger talent emerges, but believes he navigates those situations effectively while remaining committed to continuous learning.
