At 36 years old, Peter Sagan remains one of cycling’s most magnetic personalities — a rider whose career was defined not just by victories, but by the joy, swagger and entertainment he brought to every race. Although he’s no longer battling in elite pro pelotons the way he once did, Sagan’s life after racing is anything but boring. He’s embraced his post-competition world with the same enthusiasm that once made him a fan favorite, showing that his love for life and connection with people continues off the bike.
Sagan himself jokes about getting older, especially when reminded that many of his former rivals his age are still competing professionally. But rather than missing the intensity of racing, he says he’s found a new kind of thrill in his current pursuits. Life beyond pro cycling has given him the freedom to balance family, personal interests, and ongoing involvement in the broader cycling community.
Unlike many athletes who struggle with their identity after retirement, Sagan planned his transition thoughtfully. He intentionally stepped back at the right time and has seamlessly shifted into a lifestyle that lets him stay active, engaged, and visible. While he’s no longer grinding through a season of Grand Tours and Classics, he still works actively with a range of sponsors and commercial partners. Maintaining these relationships allows him to stay connected to the sport’s professional side, attend events worldwide, and meet fans, all while carving out space for new experiences.
One of the things Sagan has enjoyed most outside racing is exploring life beyond the bike. For instance, he recently appeared on a popular Slovak television dance show, where he got to stretch his comfort zone and meet new people outside the usual cycling world. That kind of opportunity — blending athleticism with performance and entertainment — appeals to him because it keeps life exciting and different.
Looking back on his career, Sagan believes that his approach to racing — bold, instinctive, and often unpredictable — helped influence the sport’s evolution. While his main focus was always on winning, he also relished the chance to put on a spectacle, to surprise spectators, and to show that professional cycling could be thrilling and expressive. In his mind, there’s a place for riders who go beyond pure results to bring energy and personality to competition.
Even now, cycling remains in his thoughts. He’s watched the route for the next Giro d’Italia and expressed admiration for the race’s mix of beauty and challenge. Reflecting on aspects like the “Grande Partenza,” he noted how events like that still inspire him — and could have suited his style during his racing heyday.
Sagan also shared a small regret from his competitive days: he never had the chance to wear the Maglia Rosa, the leader’s jersey at the Giro d’Italia. While he achieved many remarkable successes — including multiple stage wins and a points classification victory — targeting the overall Giro lead was never part of his race calendar. Even so, he treasures his memories of racing in Italy and feels a special connection to the country and its fans.
Today, Peter Sagan’s legacy is not just about results but about the way he made people feel — excited, entertained, and inspired. Even at 36 and off the pro circuit, he continues to engage with the sport and its followers in meaningful, joyful ways.
Be the first to comment