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BBC Somerset

Cyclist beats Tour de France winner Tadej Pogačar in uphill race

15 October 2025

Eben Morrish-CroadSomerset

Andraz Corel Pictured is Andrew Feather riding his bike, he is wearing a helmet and sunglasses with red and black cycling gear. — Andrew Feather from Bath was the only rider out of 1,189 cyclists to beat Pogačar

A 40-year-old cyclist has beaten the four-time Tour de France winner and current world champion in an uphill charity race.

Andrew Feather from Bath was the only rider out of 1,189 to beat Tadej Pogačar in a 15km climb in his home country of Slovenia.

All the amateur riders were given a six-minute head start by Pogačar, who some commentators believe is the greatest rider to compete in the sport, in the Pogi Challenge charity ride.

Mr Feather said: “I love climbing hills and to ride up against the best cyclists in the world – I mean you’re never really going to get that chance again so I just thought I’ll do it.”

Mr Feather said it was “amazing to go up against” Pogačar

Pictured is Andrew Feather, in his right hand he is holding a trophy and in his left hand he is holding a bottle of champagne. He is leaning on a metal fence and behind him countryside with trees and fields can be seen, along with houses — Mr Feather said it was “amazing to go up against” Pogačar

The Pogi Challenge charity ride started with a non-timed 9.1km warm-up, before participants competed in the timed climb.

Mr Feather finished the race ahead of Pogačar with a time difference of around three minutes across the 45-minute race.

He said that it was “amazing to go up against” Pogačar, and added that it was “fantastic to be able to shake his hand at the end.”

Fund from the charity event go to the world champion’s own foundation, which contributes to various campaigns including helping seriously ill children and supporting emergency teams in disaster zones.

Feather, centre, finished the 45-minute race with about a three-minute lead on Pogačar

Giorgia Bascetta Andrew Feather is pictured on the podium, he is holding a sign which reads "Winner, Pogi Challenge 2025" — Feather, centre, finished the 45-minute race with about a three-minute lead on Pogačar

Speaking to BBC Radio Somerset Mr Feather said: “I think it’s really key concentrating on your own performance and also not going too hard.

“It’s about pacing and psychology as well – there’s lots of different aspects. The cycling mind is a hard one because it is such an individual sport.”

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