𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀: Tadej Pogacar 𝘁𝗵𝗲 No.#1 World Cyclist 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀 $𝟱.𝟲 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀….

BREAKING: Tadej Pogačar Invests $5.6 Million to Turn Historic Clemson Property into Shelter for Homeless Youth

In a powerful display of compassion and social responsibility, World No. 1 cyclist Tadej Pogačar has announced a personal investment of $5.6 million to transform a historic estate in Clemson, South Carolina into a permanent shelter and support center for homeless youth.

The property, formerly a private residence dating back to the early 1900s, will undergo an extensive renovation to become a multi-purpose housing facility that provides emergency shelter, long-term accommodation, mental health services, education access, and job training for at-risk young people aged 14–24.

A Personal Mission

The move follows what Pogačar described as a “life-altering experience” during a recent off-season visit to the U.S., where he witnessed firsthand the growing crisis of youth homelessness — particularly in the South.

“Cycling gave me the world, but I never forget that so many young people never even get a chance,” Pogačar said in a statement. “When I visited Clemson and saw kids living on the street, I couldn’t walk away. This is bigger than sport. This is about giving people dignity.”

The shelter will be named “The Horizon House”, symbolizing a new beginning for those who enter.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

Plans for the project include:

•Capacity for 40 full-time residents

•24/7 on-site counselors and social workers

•A community kitchen and dining hall

•Classrooms for GED prep, career coaching, and financial literacy

•A bicycle workshop and recreational area — with direct ties to Pogačar’s passion for sport and movement therapy

The initiative is being executed in partnership with several U.S.-based nonprofits, including Youth Hope Foundation and Shelter Forward, who praised the cyclist’s hands-on involvement.

“He’s not just writing checks,” said Diane McAlister, director of Youth Hope. “Tadej has met with youth, talked to them, listened to their stories. He’s involved in every part of the design process. He wants it to feel like home — not an institution.”

A Ripple Effect in Sports and Philanthropy

While many elite athletes support causes through foundations, Pogačar’s direct, private investment is being hailed as a model for socially conscious sports figures.

“What Tadej is doing is extraordinary,” said ESPN analyst and former NBA star Chris Paul, who has worked with youth shelters in North Carolina. “He’s using his platform and his own money to make structural change. That’s leadership.”

The UCI World Champion has indicated that The Horizon House will be just the beginning, hinting at plans to replicate the model in other cities, including areas in Europe where youth poverty and homelessness are also rising.

Community Reaction in Clemson

Local officials and residents in Clemson have welcomed the announcement.

“This is a huge win for our community,” said Mayor Robert Anderson. “We’ve long needed more resources for homeless youth, and to have someone of Tadej Pogačar’s stature step up — it’s inspiring.”

Construction is expected to begin in late summer 2025, with the facility aiming to open its doors by spring 2026.

More Than a Champion

At just 26, Tadej Pogačar is already a cycling icon — a multiple Tour de France winner and holder of numerous classic and stage race titles. But with this latest act of philanthropy, he’s redefining what it means to be a champion.

“This is the race that matters,” he said. “Not for podiums or jerseys, but for lives.”