Following his impressive victories at the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France earlier this year, Tadej Pogacar was widely expected to pursue a historic Grand Tour triple at the Vuelta a España. However, the Slovenian rider chose not to compete in the Vuelta, citing the need for recovery. Despite this, Pogacar, the star of UAE Team Emirates, has not entirely dismissed the idea of targeting all three Grand Tours in a single season in the future. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pogacar reflects on his decision, emphasizing that he felt it was the right choice to skip the Vuelta given his fatigue after the Tour. “I was really tired after the Tour de France,” Pogacar admitted. “It was beneficial for me to take a break and actually enjoy a real summer for once.”
Looking ahead, Pogacar remains open to the possibility of attempting a Grand Tour treble, though he acknowledges the considerable challenges involved. “It’s something I might consider in the long term, but not just yet,” he says. At 25, Pogacar is wary of overextending himself by competing in three Grand Tours within a short span. “Such an endeavor carries significant risk due to the intense pressure and numerous race days,” he explains. Pogacar’s focus is on maintaining his health and performance levels while navigating the demanding cycling calendar.
In addition to his Grand Tour aspirations, Pogacar has set his sights on achieving victory in all five of cycling’s prestigious monuments. He has already claimed wins at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Il Lombardia, and the Tour of Flanders, and has finished in the top five at Milano-Sanremo three times. The remaining monument he has yet to conquer is Paris-Roubaix, renowned for its challenging cobbled sections. Pogacar is not dismissive of this challenge, though he remains cautious. “Paris-Roubaix requires a blend of strength and luck,” he notes. “I plan to attempt it someday, possibly in 2025, but it’s not guaranteed. I’ve put a lot of effort into my training this year and believe there’s still room for growth.”
Pogacar’s strategic approach to his career reflects a thoughtful balance between ambition and pragmatism. By focusing on key objectives and carefully managing his race schedule, he aims to continue making significant contributions to the sport while preserving his long-term potential. The cycling world will be watching closely to see how his plans unfold in the coming seasons, especially as he continues to develop his career and tackle new challenges.