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Pogi Challenge Franchise: A Slovenian Climb. A Global Challenge

Pogi Challenge Franchise: A Slovenian Climb. A Global Challenge

One of the greatest cyclists of all time, the undisputed king of recent cycling and an ambassador of Slovenian tourism, Tadej Pogačar, has announced the expansion of the Pogi Challenge into an international franchise. The initiative, which began in Slovenia, will connect cyclists through events on iconic climbs around the world while supporting charitable projects.

Tadej Pogačar, one of the most successful cyclists of the modern era, is expanding his Pogi Challenge into an international franchise. The initiative originated in Slovenia, where he achieved his first victory as a young cyclist in 2009, and is now taking on global dimensions. The Pogi Challenge is evolving into a platform with the potential to establish a new tradition of cycling challenges on iconic climbs across different countries.

Created at Pogačar’s initiative, the Pogi Challenge was designed to give back to the cycling community and fans some of the inspiration he received at the beginning of his journey, while also supporting the Tadej Pogačar Foundation and the Pogi Team. The event on his home climb, where his story began, brings together recreational cyclists, sports enthusiasts, and the wider public.

Following its successful debut in Slovenia in 2025, the project is entering a new phase. Through a franchise model, other countries will be able to host their own versions of the event on their iconic climbs. Winners of these challenges will receive a special SUPER VIP invitation to the main Pogi Challenge event in Slovenia. The aim is to create events that allow cyclists to symbolically follow in the footsteps of one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Pogi Challenge 2025

The project also carries a strong charitable dimension. Part of the franchise revenue will support the Tadej Pogačar Foundation, which helps children and young people battling cancer. In global sport, there are only a few examples of elite athletes transforming their personal stories into a global event format. Notable examples include skateboarding legend Tony Hawk with his Boom Boom HuckJam tour and tennis champion Rafael Nadal with his international tournaments.

With the launch of the franchise, Pogačar joins a select group of elite athletes who have expanded their personal stories into global sporting event formats. In the first season, three franchise locations will be available, offering an exclusive opportunity for organisers and destinations that wish to become part of a new global cycling story.

“Through the franchise, we are building on the Pogi Challenge story, and I believe this will also help expand the mission of our Foundation, making us even more effective in this field,” emphasized Tadej Pogačar.

Discover more about the challenge

Contacts

Global public relations and Marketing
e-mail address: press(at)slovenia.info

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