Polish cyclist Rafal Majka has praised his teammate Tadej Pogacar as the best leader he has worked with during his 14-year career as a professional racer. As Majka enters his final season with UAE Team Emirates, he reflects on his experiences with Pogacar ahead of the Tour de Pologne, where he will compete on home soil.
Majka, who is set to retire at the end of 2025, has confirmed that his final race will be Il Lombardia. This race is especially significant as Pogacar aims for a record-equalling fifth victory in the iconic event. Before that, Majka returns to the Tour de Pologne, a race he won in 2014 and finished second in 2017, having secured three stage wins throughout his career.
Over his extensive career, Majka has participated in 23 Grand Tours, supporting various leaders, including Pogacar during three editions of the Tour de France from 2021 to 2023 and Pogacar’s triumphant run at the Giro d’Italia in 2024.
At a team presentation in Wroclaw on March 15, 2024, Majka described Pogacar as a “normal person” off the bike but a fierce competitor on it. He remarked, “He’s like a normal person… but when he’s on the bike, he’s like a killer.” The sentiment resonated with fans, as Majka received the loudest cheers during the event.
Majka’s decision to retire stemmed from his desire to leave the sport at a high level. He shared that he considered continuing for another year after the Giro but ultimately prioritized spending time with his family after years of life on the road. “I want to finish when I’m wearing the Polish National Champion’s jersey,” he said, expressing satisfaction with his current status.
In June, Majka claimed the Polish National Championship for the second time in his career. His impressive resume includes three stage victories in the Tour de France, a mountains classification title in 2014, and a bronze medal in the 2016 Olympic road race in Rio.
As he transitions to a supporting role, Majka continues to contribute meaningfully to his team’s success. In the recent Giro d’Italia, he played a crucial role in supporting teammates Isaac del Toro and Juan Ayuso. Despite the shift in focus, Majka remains competitive, recently finishing third overall in the Tour of Austria while assisting Del Toro.
Majka acknowledged the importance of knowing when to retire, stating, “It’s better to go out on a high note.” He noted the growing demands of family life and the desire to enjoy cycling without the pressures of leadership.
The Tour de Pologne holds a unique significance for Majka as he races on familiar terrain, bolstered by enthusiastic local support. Reflecting on his previous victory in the event, where he triumphed against notable competitors like Matej Mohoric and Michal Kwiatkowski, he remains hopeful for a strong performance this year.
Although Majka’s individual goals remain, he emphasized the importance of team dynamics. He will focus on supporting up-and-coming talents like Swiss racer Jan Christen and American cyclist Brandon McNulty, who is returning after a break following the Giro.
“The last day is a time trial, usually my weak spot, so I will look to see what I can do in the stages,” he stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the race. The Tour de Pologne, often likened to a week of Classics racing, promises excitement and challenges, and Majka is ready to embrace them.
As he prepares for his final competitive appearances, Majka’s legacy as a top climber and dedicated team player will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the sport.
