Finn Fisher-Black talks about his former teammate Tadej Pogačar with words of great esteem. The class of 2001 arrived among the professionals at just 20 years old by signing for the UAE Team Emirates in summer 2021 after a year and a half experience with Jumbo-Visma’s Development training. Following three and a half years in the Emirates team, the New Zealander chose to join the RedBulul – BORA – Hassgr wherewhere he raced this 2025, obtaining a good third place in the general classification Tour Down Undera sixth place in theUAE Tour and the national time trial title. After February his season no longer saw any particular highlights, fading away with one Return to Spain all in all anonymous.
Interviewed at Domestic Hotseat Podcastthe 24-year-old recalled his time inUAE Team Emirates XRGsharing his thoughts on former teammate Pogačar: “When Tadej is competing, there is only one leader and everyone knows it. In UAE Team Emirates we think with hierarchies. It was a nice environment to be in because you have so many superstars around you, but sometimes it’s a bit risky in races like the Grand Tours. There are only three of them, everyone wants a chance and everyone wants to try to win them. They have a lot of riders who can win a Grand Tour in that team. So of course there will always be some hot moments.”
Finn Fisher-Black he then reflected on the Slovenian’s strength: “In cycling, it seems to me that you are almost forced to have a relaxed approach because so many things go wrong that you have to be able to adapt. And he is just brilliant at doing that. He doesn’t seem to have many difficult days and that’s because he can adapt so quickly to every attack or fall or whatever happens. I don’t think people realize how big Pogačar’s fame is now. It’s starting to transcend sports a little bit. People who don’t watch cycling know who he is now. I noticed this especially in Canada: when we stopped at a café we tried to form a bubble around Tadej, so that we could go and pay without people stopping him. Maybe he’s starting to get a little burned out on this. It’s getting bigger than cycling“.
“Yes, I think he’s the greatest runner we’ll see – declared the New Zealander – I think it’s clear now, especially at 27 years old. He has already done more than many people can even imagine. I think it could stop now and already be the best we’ve ever seen. But I think he still has a lot for us to see. I also raced with Jonas, before his career took off and he won the Tour. They’re normal kids, that’s the point. I have raced for many of the best runners in the world now. And when you have dinner with them, you realize they’re just normal guys. Coming from juniors and New Zealand, I had only seen them on TV. So it was a big shock for me to think that I was now racing for them.”
Finally, in the class of 2001 he spoke about the arrival of Remco Evenepoel on his team, Red Bull – BORA – Hansgrohe: “To be honest, I don’t know Remco. But I think, from how I raced with him in the group, he presents himself quite well. I’m excited to have him on the team. Between him and Lipowitz I don’t know what they will do at next year’s Tour, whether they will both race for the general classification or have different focuses. But there are several riders who can take care of the overall ranking in the team“.
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