A Mexican phenomenon who races like Pogacar

Cyclist Tadej Pogačar has signed a jersey with the Tour de France logo during an auction for firefighters, marking a new phase in his career. This event took place amid discussions around his future racing plans, particularly regarding the Vuelta a España and the upcoming World Championships. Pogačar’s performance at this year's Tour de France has sparked conversations among experts and former colleagues about his strategy and potential achievements. The timing of Pogačar’s participation in the Vuelta a España appears crucial, especially considering the route of the upcoming World Championships in Montreal. Experts suggest that the current route does not require specific preparation, unlike future editions, which might necessitate different training approaches. According to Johan Bruyneel, a former sports director who worked with Lance Armstrong, Pogačar aims to complete his set of major victories by winning the Vuelta, joining a select group of cyclists who have triumphed in all three grand tours. Bruyneel highlighted that Pogačar’s focus at the end of the Tour de France was solely on ensuring Isaac del Toro would reach the podium. Looking back, several aspects of Pogačar’s performance become clearer. He is determined to achieve another milestone, adding to his list of accomplishments. The goal is to join the elite group of cyclists who have won all three grand tours, including names such as Jacques Anquetil, Eddy Merckx, and Jonas Vingegaard. In addition to Pogačar, other competitors such as Felix Gall and Oscar Onley were identified as serious contenders for second place. Both Bruyneel and Spencer Martin noted that Pogačar could face challenges from these riders, although they believe a fall or illness could hinder their progress. The World Championships will take place in Montreal, a city where Pogačar previously secured victory in 2022 and 2024. However, last year he allowed teammate Brandon McNulty to win, highlighting the team’s strength. Pogačar’s approach to the Vuelta a España requires strategic planning, similar to the tactics used in the Giro d'Italia. By focusing on four key days and exerting maximum effort, Pogačar can secure a joint victory while using the remaining stages as training for the World Championships. This strategy ensures that he maintains peak form for both events. Former teammate George Bennett described Pogačar’s transformation from a promising rider into one of the best cyclists in the world. Initially, Pogačar lacked tactical awareness and often consumed alcohol, yet he still managed to win races. After losing the Tour de France to Jonas Vingegaard, Pogačar made a mental shift, committing fully to training at 100% capacity, which led to his dominance in the sport today. Isaac del Toro, a 22-year-old Mexican cyclist, has emerged as a rising star in cycling. His recent performance at the Tour de France, where he finished third with the help of Pogačar, has positioned him as a potential future champion. Del Toro’s rapid ascent includes victories in the Tour Down Under and recognition as the best young cyclist, showcasing his potential to compete for overall victory in major races. Pogačar’s journey from a young rider to a global leader in cycling reflects a blend of innate talent, relentless work ethic, and strategic thinking. As he prepares for the Vuelta a España and the World Championships, his focus remains on achieving comprehensive success, solidifying his legacy among the greatest cyclists in history.