Imagine a world-rocking cyclist splashing out thousands on fancy coffee machines just because his team couldn't stop chatting about java on the bus—now that's a gift with a buzz! But here's where it gets intriguing: This isn't just any present; it's a testament to the bonds forged in the heat of competition, especially when victory slips away. And this is the part most people miss—how these quirky gestures reveal a champion's true personality, sparking debates on whether lavish gifts are genuine or just a flashy display of wealth. Ready to dive into the espresso-fueled world of Tadej Pogacar's unique thank-yous? Let's brew up the details.
Tadej Pogacar, the masterful Slovenian rider from UAE Team Emirates - XRG, opened up on Jakob Fuglsang's fresh podcast, Fuglsang i Feltet, about how a light-hearted team tradition morphed into a grand act of appreciation following the 2023 Tour de France. During that grueling three-week race, coffee chatter dominated the bus rides before and after each stage, becoming an almost obsessive daily ritual. Even after conceding the coveted yellow jersey to Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar, ever the generous spirit, reached into his own wallet to make it happen. "I made the decision to purchase a Marzocco coffee machine for every single member of the Tour squad," he shared. "Our bus talks revolved around coffee endlessly, so turning that into a lasting memento felt spot-on."
For those new to cycling's finer things, a Marzocco isn't your average drip coffee maker—it's a premium Italian brand known for its high-end espresso machines, often costing upwards of $1,000 or more. These aren't just appliances; they're tools for crafting professional-grade lattes and cappuccinos at home, beloved by coffee aficionados. Pogacar himself has embraced this hobby, owning a Marzocco Micra model. With a chuckle, he admitted, "I can froth the milk decently and aim for that perfect rosetta pattern on top, but let's be honest—nine times out of ten, it ends up looking like a total mess." It's a charming confession that humanizes this elite athlete, showing even stars struggle with the basics.
But this wasn't merely a throwaway trinket or a generic souvenir from the Tour's gift shop. Instead, it serves as a poignant symbol of unity amid adversity. In that 2023 edition, the UAE squad faced intense scrutiny and immense pressure during their battle for the general classification, ultimately falling short of the top prize. Each teammate walked away with one of these sleek, top-tier machines—a personalized token echoing the daily cadence of their shared journey, reinforcing the ties that held them together through the toughest tests.
This coffee-centric gesture aligns perfectly with a pattern of post-Tour generosity that's becoming Pogacar's trademark. Earlier this year, on the Cycling Beyond the Podium podcast, Tejay van Garderen relayed a hilarious story originally from Brandon McNulty about the aftermath of Pogacar's triumphant 2021 Tour de France victory—his second overall win, but McNulty's inaugural Tour in the core support crew. As Van Garderen recounted, "Brandon shared this amusing tale with me. Right after that 2021 win, when Pogacar claimed victory, he surprised his teammates with a unique present... Every rider got a luxurious Green Egg barbecue smoker."
McNulty's response added the comedic twist: "He was floored—said it was incredibly thoughtful... but hey, I dwell in a small apartment in Girona. Where on earth would I even put this monster, let alone fire it up?" For beginners in cycling lore, a Green Egg is a high-quality, ceramic kamado-style grill, prized for its versatility in smoking and grilling, and valued at several hundred dollars. It's a gadget that screams backyard barbecues, not cramped urban living spaces like McNulty's.
Van Garderen pointed out how Pogacar's approach stands out from the more conventional thank-yous seen from past Tour champions. "A lot of winners opt for straightforward bonuses like cash or all-expenses-paid getaways—Cadel Evans did exactly that back in 2011. But Tadej? He's got that youthful energy. He loves something, assumes others will too, and picks items that are heartfelt, a bit eccentric, and great at fostering connections." Across these tales—from the smokers celebrating a glorious 2021 conquest to the coffee machines commemorating the 2023 setback—the underlying motif remains: Pogacar leans toward deeply personal, somewhat unconventional presents that mirror his passions and honor the unsung heroes who back him through the year's pinnacle event.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is splashing out on such pricey, niche items the ultimate way to say thanks, or does it risk coming across as out-of-touch elitism? Sure, these gifts show appreciation and creativity, but could they alienate teammates with different lifestyles—think the apartment dweller cramming a smoker into a tiny space? And this is the part most people miss—Pogacar's choices might subtly challenge traditional team dynamics, where cash or vacations offer flexibility, but his picks demand personal adaptation. What do you think: Are these idiosyncratic presents a stroke of genius or just a showy splurge? Do you agree that they strengthen bonds, or disagree that they're practical? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you have your own stories of memorable team gifts, or a counterpoint on how winners should reward their crews? We'd love to hear from you!
