Mike O'Connor
Tadej Pogačar could make his Tour Down Under debut in January 2027, with race director Stuart O’Grady revealing that the Slovenian’s agent visited the Australian event earlier this year.
Speaking on the Stanley St. Social podcast, O’Grady confirmed that Alex Carera attended the final stage of the 2026 race to assess its set-up and logistics.
“Of course, I’m doing everything we can to get the likes of Tadej here. It’s hard to go past how big this guy is, and we all want to see him race here again,” O’Grady said.
Carera’s visit suggests the possibility of Pogačar racing in Australia has been explored, although his participation has not been confirmed.
“Alex Carera was here for the last stage in January, just to have a look around and get his own view of the race. For him to see the set-up we have with the village and the hotel, it’s like, man, this is unbelievable,” O’Grady said.
He highlighted the event’s atmosphere and community feel as points of difference from the constant travel of professional cycling.
“You kind of have to see it for yourself. It’s hard to explain when you’re in a travelling circus all year round, going hotel to hotel,” O’Grady said.
“Here you’re in the same hotel, there’s a village out the front, there’s a real buzz and a bit of fun on that side, and there’s your team tents on this side, and just the connection you have with the whole community.”
Pogačar’s early end to his 2026 campaign following a crash at the Vuelta a España has raised the possibility of an earlier start to next season. The four-time Tour de France winner has indicated he could begin training earlier than usual.
O’Grady said the race would welcome the Slovenian if he and his team opted to return to competition in January.
“Obviously, Tadej’s crash, we’re just hoping he recovers and he can get back to the level which we’ll hope and pray that he can. We just want them to get better, and then if they decide that they want to start racing earlier, then of course we’re going to welcome that and do what we can.”
Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates-XRG teammate Jay Vine won the 2026 Tour Down Under, but a debut by the Slovenian would bring another major international star to the season-opening WorldTour race.
It could also put the record on Old Willunga Hill under threat. The climb has been a defining feature of the race, with Australian Richie Porte among its most successful riders.
“Richie Porte won’t want him here, because that time might go,” O’Grady warned.
You can check out the interview with O’Grady here:
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
