Imagine this: you’re on a bus with your teammates, day after day, pouring your heart and soul into the world’s toughest race, only to come up short. What would you do to show your gratitude? For Tadej Pogacar, it wasn’t just about words—it was about a gesture so personal, so unexpected, that it became a symbol of camaraderie and shared struggle. But here’s where it gets interesting: after losing the yellow jersey to Jonas Vingegaard in the 2023 Tour de France, Pogacar decided to dig deep into his own pockets and buy every member of his UAE Team Emirates squad a high-end Marzocco coffee machine. Why? Because, as he revealed on Jakob Fuglsang’s podcast Fuglsang i Feltet, coffee had become the team’s daily obsession during the race. ‘Every day on the bus, before and after the stage, we talked about coffee,’ Pogacar explained. ‘They talked about it all the time, so it’s a good gift.’
This wasn’t just a random act of generosity—it was a shared reminder of the bond forged under pressure. The 2023 Tour de France had been a grueling battle, with UAE’s collective effort tested and scrutinized, even if the ultimate victory slipped away. Each rider received the same top-tier machine, a tangible token of the rhythm and resilience they’d shared. And this is the part most people miss: Pogacar’s gifts aren’t just about the item—they’re about connection. He’s become part of cycling’s growing amateur-barista culture himself, proudly owning a Marzocco Micra and attempting latte art (though, as he admits with a laugh, ‘90% of the time it looks like crap’).
But is this the most practical gift for a pro cyclist? Let’s rewind to 2021, when Pogacar celebrated his second Tour de France victory by gifting his teammates Green Egg barbecue smokers. As Tejay van Garderen recounted on Cycling Beyond the Podium, Brandon McNulty’s reaction was priceless: ‘Wow, this is really nice… but I live in an apartment in Girona. I can’t use this thing!’ Pogacar’s choices stand out in a sport where traditional gestures often involve cash or vacations. ‘He’s a young guy at heart,’ Van Garderen noted. ‘He thinks, ‘I love this, so everyone else will too.’ It’s thoughtful, a little off the wall, and it brings people together.’
But here’s the controversial question: Are Pogacar’s gifts genuinely thoughtful, or are they self-indulgent projections of his own interests? Sure, they’re personal and unique, but do they always align with his teammates’ needs? From smokers to coffee machines, the pattern is clear: Pogacar’s presents reflect his passions and acknowledge the riders who support him. But is that enough? Or should a gift truly cater to the recipient’s lifestyle? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this brewing debate!
