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Tadej Pogacar: Unstoppable
Bloomsbury presents
Tadej Unstoppable
by Andy McGrath read by Elliot Chapman
'Andy McGrath's in-depth biography covers Pogi’s meteoric rise, his victories and rivalries, while revealing more about the character behind the sporting domination' – Cyclist
'This fascinating new biography draws on multiple sources to explain how the Slovenian became the best cyclist of his generation while shining a light on the trajectory of the winner of four Tour de France...' – The Times
'He doesn't just win, he wins with excitement' – Mark Cavendish
A MAJOR BIOGRAPHY OF THE MODERN ERA’S GREATEST CYCLIST, WRITTEN BY WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST.
Tadej Pogacar is not like any other professional cyclist. The Slovenian is a sporting phenomenon. He won almost everything there is to win in bike racing, has done so with breathtaking audacity and style – and all by the age of 26.
This comprehensive biography follows his meteoric rise to the top, recounts his greatest race wins and rivalries, and reveals the character, motivation and skills that have led to his domination of elite cycling.
Experienced cycling journalist Andy McGrath has documented the versatile superstar’s development from his victory in the Tour de l’Avenir in 2018 to his Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Il Lombardia and Tour of Flanders successes and his historic 2024 season, when he won cycling’s prestigious triple crown of the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championship road race. His victories include four Tours de France (2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025).
McGrath explores how this diminutive child from a small, mountainous nation of Slovenia first took up the sport, his emerging talent as a teenager and the role played by his UAE Team Emirates-XRG coaches and management. He also gets the inside story from those close to him, trusted teammates and fierce adversaries.
It is not only what Pogacar has won, but the manner in which he wins that also makes him so unique and popular. McGrath gets to the very heart of the cycling phenomenon that is ‘Pogi’ – and the fascinating young man behind the runaway success story.
'Andy McGrath's in-depth biography covers Pogi’s meteoric rise, his victories and rivalries, while revealing more about the character behind the sporting domination' – Cyclist
'This fascinating new biography draws on multiple sources to explain how the Slovenian became the best cyclist of his generation while shining a light on the trajectory of the winner of four Tour de France...' – The Times
'He doesn't just win, he wins with excitement' – Mark Cavendish
A MAJOR BIOGRAPHY OF THE MODERN ERA’S GREATEST CYCLIST, WRITTEN BY WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD-WINNING JOURNALIST.
Tadej Pogacar is not like any other professional cyclist. The Slovenian is a sporting phenomenon. He won almost everything there is to win in bike racing, has done so with breathtaking audacity and style – and all by the age of 26.
This comprehensive biography follows his meteoric rise to the top, recounts his greatest race wins and rivalries, and reveals the character, motivation and skills that have led to his domination of elite cycling.
Experienced cycling journalist Andy McGrath has documented the versatile superstar’s development from his victory in the Tour de l’Avenir in 2018 to his Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Il Lombardia and Tour of Flanders successes and his historic 2024 season, when he won cycling’s prestigious triple crown of the Giro d’Italia, the Tour de France and the World Championship road race. His victories include four Tours de France (2020, 2021, 2024 and 2025).
McGrath explores how this diminutive child from a small, mountainous nation of Slovenia first took up the sport, his emerging talent as a teenager and the role played by his UAE Team Emirates-XRG coaches and management. He also gets the inside story from those close to him, trusted teammates and fierce adversaries.
It is not only what Pogacar has won, but the manner in which he wins that also makes him so unique and popular. McGrath gets to the very heart of the cycling phenomenon that is ‘Pogi’ – and the fascinating young man behind the runaway success story.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 3, 2026
Nothing will ever beat the excitement of Pogi winning that Planche des Belles Filles TT in 2020.
Book itself is not a 5 star but a solid 4,5/5. Basically just tells the story of Pogi's career until 2025.
Book itself is not a 5 star but a solid 4,5/5. Basically just tells the story of Pogi's career until 2025.
December 19, 2025
It's always tricky to write a book about a person that's still very much active and near or at their peak, because the story is unfinished.
But the best part of this book is the part of the story that is finished: the tales of Pog in his youth, as told by fellow riders, some great nuggets in there.
The latter half/third of the book, the Tour domination? If you've been a keen observer of pro cycling you probably won't find much new here; there's only so many ways "he is damn good" can be conveyed by the author or the other riders suffering from - or for - him.
McGrath's certainly not a bad writer, so I'll be looking forward to the sequel once our protagonist has, title-defyingly, stopped.
But the best part of this book is the part of the story that is finished: the tales of Pog in his youth, as told by fellow riders, some great nuggets in there.
The latter half/third of the book, the Tour domination? If you've been a keen observer of pro cycling you probably won't find much new here; there's only so many ways "he is damn good" can be conveyed by the author or the other riders suffering from - or for - him.
McGrath's certainly not a bad writer, so I'll be looking forward to the sequel once our protagonist has, title-defyingly, stopped.
December 11, 2025
This book is worth 4 stars for me because I love books about sport greats.
The most interesting part for me was the first third, where author wrote about Pogis' childhood and amateur years. It was interesting to read / hear (as I haven't read anything before) about how this amazing cyclist grew up and came to be such a chill champion :)
I also couldn't stop comparing him with my other sports idol - MJ. Such a difference in personality, however one could argue with the same results. Pogi inspires me for this reason - he shows that you don't have to be a sociopath to be great!
The most interesting part for me was the first third, where author wrote about Pogis' childhood and amateur years. It was interesting to read / hear (as I haven't read anything before) about how this amazing cyclist grew up and came to be such a chill champion :)
I also couldn't stop comparing him with my other sports idol - MJ. Such a difference in personality, however one could argue with the same results. Pogi inspires me for this reason - he shows that you don't have to be a sociopath to be great!
June 12, 2026
As a cycling fan who enjoys biographies, I picked this up hoping to learn more about Tadej Pogačar's character, and in that respect the book succeeds. I certainly came away with a better sense of the rider behind the results, his determination, work ethic and remarkable talent.
That said, the book inevitably suffers from being a biography written from the outside rather than a memoir. Unlike Mark Cavendish's excellent autobiography, there are no truly extraordinary insights into what it feels like to live through the pressures and uncertainties of professional cycling. We learn a great deal about what Pogačar did, but less about how he experienced it.
I also found the sections covering his early development somewhat repetitive. There are only so many times a reader can be told about his exceptional talent and determination before the point begins to lose its impact. The narrative is at its strongest once Pogačar reaches the very top of the sport.
For me, the most engaging chapters were those dealing with the Tour de France. Having followed many of these races myself, I enjoyed revisiting them from a different perspective. The author also makes a commendable effort to understand how Pogačar's rivals attempted to beat him, which adds welcome depth and tension to the story.
Given that it is an unofficial biography rather than a first-hand account, this is a solid introduction to one of cycling's most remarkable talents. I learned more about the man and enjoyed the Tour de France sections in particular, but I never quite felt I was getting close enough to Pogačar himself for the book to become truly memorable.
That said, the book inevitably suffers from being a biography written from the outside rather than a memoir. Unlike Mark Cavendish's excellent autobiography, there are no truly extraordinary insights into what it feels like to live through the pressures and uncertainties of professional cycling. We learn a great deal about what Pogačar did, but less about how he experienced it.
I also found the sections covering his early development somewhat repetitive. There are only so many times a reader can be told about his exceptional talent and determination before the point begins to lose its impact. The narrative is at its strongest once Pogačar reaches the very top of the sport.
For me, the most engaging chapters were those dealing with the Tour de France. Having followed many of these races myself, I enjoyed revisiting them from a different perspective. The author also makes a commendable effort to understand how Pogačar's rivals attempted to beat him, which adds welcome depth and tension to the story.
Given that it is an unofficial biography rather than a first-hand account, this is a solid introduction to one of cycling's most remarkable talents. I learned more about the man and enjoyed the Tour de France sections in particular, but I never quite felt I was getting close enough to Pogačar himself for the book to become truly memorable.
November 23, 2025
Amused to see Goodreads has this listed as not yet published, given I picked up a copy from Hatchards only the other day. Anyway, this is a very readable little number. I don't think it says anything particularly surprising, but if you're a fan of Pogi or cycling in general I think you'll still enjoy it.
December 29, 2025
Great read, would have been better if Tadej was involved in the writing and provided some of his own input. The more and more I learn about him, the more I am convinced he is clean. I think someone's personality has a lot to do with if they go down that path. Tadej v Armstrong/Ullrich/Froome is night and day. Good guy, generational talent.
March 10, 2026
A worthwhile read for any cycling fan. I actively root against Tadej as a Visma fan but respect his greatness and enjoyed the read. Pogi declined to be interviewed for this book so it’s missing the interesting anecdotes and behind the scenes info, but there are enough interviews with people around him to make this worthwhile.
May 7, 2026
I think it was too soon to be writing about this cyclist this early in his career, but, as with most of the greats, I was eager and excited to learn how he got his start, and to know about who he is as a person. And this book doesn't disappoint.
When someone writes another book after his career is over, hopefully Tadej himself, I'll read that one as well.
When someone writes another book after his career is over, hopefully Tadej himself, I'll read that one as well.
June 1, 2026
For the first half this book had me hooked, and I got to learn a lot about Pogacars journey to become a great pro cyclist.
In the second half it became a little to transparent that this book was written on secondary sources, and did not bring anything new to the table. I look forward to picking up a book similar to this when all is said and done, and pogacar himself might be a co-author.
In the second half it became a little to transparent that this book was written on secondary sources, and did not bring anything new to the table. I look forward to picking up a book similar to this when all is said and done, and pogacar himself might be a co-author.
February 15, 2026
I wanted to like this book more, but it felt like a bit in a no-mans land. For cycling fans, not much information there is new, while for non-fans the information therein will be accessible due to jargon and implicit knowledge.
March 18, 2026
Was a little lean on information possibly because Tadej did not participate in writing of book. The result was a re-hash of his career to date based on a review of races and some anecdotal accounts from a few people he interacted with on his way up.
June 29, 2026
Interesting
Detailed story of one of the cycling greats with a lot of interviews of teammates, family and competitors. Sadly Mr Tadej himself did not participate. It looks like it will need some addendums in the future for all the upcoming wins.
Detailed story of one of the cycling greats with a lot of interviews of teammates, family and competitors. Sadly Mr Tadej himself did not participate. It looks like it will need some addendums in the future for all the upcoming wins.
January 3, 2026
Anxious for a book directly from Tadej and in his voice. This book is full of great information but come second hand and from race interviews.
January 10, 2026
enjoyable yarn for any fan, don't expect any ground breaking revelations however. As a loyal pogi fan theres nothing really new here
January 25, 2026
A great refresher on Slovenia’s golden era of cycling and an additional extended perspective.
April 4, 2026
Great read !
Loved the book , very well
Written.If you are a cyclist , must read. Easy to follow and a great insight .
Loved the book , very well
Written.If you are a cyclist , must read. Easy to follow and a great insight .
May 2, 2026
I can watch cycling and read books about cycling all day long!
May 27, 2026
Super easy and enjoyable read if youre into cycling, albiet this is written like 10 years too soon.
July 8, 2026
Exactly what you'd expect from the autobiography of an active athlete. Lots of superlatives, a bit of honest reporting and travel around Slovenia, and plenty of reminiscing.
May 11, 2026
You can read my review (in Slovene) at https://maticpise.com/2026/05/11/tade...
July 13, 2026
This is the first major biography of the Slovenian superstar, tracing his journey from a small mountain town in Slovenia to becoming the most dominant cyclist of his generation. The book covers his meteoric rise, from winning the Tour de l'Avenir in 2018 through his stunning Monument victories and his historic 2024 season, where he claimed the rare triple crown of the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and World Championship road race. McGrath draws on interviews with teammates, rivals, and those closest to Pogacar to paint a portrait not just of his staggering palmares, but of the joyful, audacious character that makes "Pogi" so beloved by fans worldwide. Since publication, Pogacar has only added to his legend, winning a fifth Tour de France title and a second World Championship road race in 2025, plus a record fourth Strade Bianche and his thirteenth Monument at the 2026 Milan-San Remo. Whoever writes the definitive biography at the end of his career is going to have a lot of material to work with.
December 7, 2025
Well done
Provided good behind the scenes insights as to what makes Tadej tick. Super fans will already know much of this already, but there are enough little nuggets to satisfy one’s curiosity. Was nice to listen to a book with the most recent season’s race results included. A good and timely listen! Who knows what he will do next?
Provided good behind the scenes insights as to what makes Tadej tick. Super fans will already know much of this already, but there are enough little nuggets to satisfy one’s curiosity. Was nice to listen to a book with the most recent season’s race results included. A good and timely listen! Who knows what he will do next?
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews