Pogacar returns to the Tour to close the circle with victory in the three grand rounds

Tadej Pogacar has returned to the Vuelta a España with the aim of completing his set by winning all three grand tours, Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. The Slovenian cyclist, riding for the United Arab Emirates team alongside lieutenant João Almeida, is widely regarded as the favorite to claim victory this year. His presence dominates the race, which has become centered around him as he seeks entry into an exclusive group of cyclists who have won all three major races: Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, Alberto Contador, Chris Froome, Jonas Vingegaard, and Vincenzo Nibali. Pogacar's return to the Vuelta marks a long-awaited step toward fulfilling a goal that had been postponed rather than abandoned. He previously competed in the 2019 edition of the race, finishing third overall after claiming three stages. At just 20 years old at the time, that performance was considered more of an introduction to the grand tour circuit rather than a definitive statement. Now, at 27, Pogacar faces the challenge of matching or surpassing the achievements of legends such as Merckx and Hinault, both of whom achieved their first grand tour victories at the same age. Among the competitors, Primoz Roglic stands out as another Slovenian rider with four previous Vuelta wins. However, at 36 years old and still recovering from a recent accident that prevented him from participating in pre-race classics like the Clásica de San Sebastián and Vuelta a Burgos, his chances appear slim. Despite this, his past success warrants recognition and respect. Other notable riders include Wout van Aert, Sepp Kuss, and Christophe Laporte from Visma-Lease a Bike, along with Richard Carapaz from Education First-EasyPost, Felix Gall, and Matthew Riccitello from Decathlon, and Matthias Skjelmose and Mads Pedersen from Lidl-Trek. Each brings their unique strengths and ambitions to the race. In Spain, the absence of Juan Ayuso leaves room for other local contenders. Carlos Rodríguez from Ineos aims to rediscover his form, while Enric Mas starts as the leader for Movistar, the sole Spanish top-tier team. Both riders face pressure to redeem themselves following their performances in the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. They will be supported by teammates including Raul García Pierna, Iván Romeo, Pablo Castrillo, Carlos Canal, Jorge Arcas, and Orluis Aular. Mas, who has participated in seven editions of the Vuelta and secured four podium finishes, has yet to win the race despite achieving one stage victory in 2018. At 31, he continues to seek his breakthrough, with the Vuelta offering him another opportunity to prove himself. The race begins tomorrow in Monaco, where both Pogacar and Roglic reside. The opening stage will cover nine kilometers, setting the tone for the competition ahead. As the race progresses, the focus will remain on Pogacar’s quest to complete his set and potentially join the ranks of cycling’s greatest legends.