Pogačar returns to the Spanish Vuelta in pursuit of a rare double and elusive triple

Tadej Pogačar, the reigning Tour de France champion, is set to return to the Spanish Vuelta for the first time since 2019, aiming to complete a historic Grand Tours hat trick and potentially chase a rare triple. The Slovenian rider, who secured his fifth Tour title in July, has been confirmed by his team, UAE Team Emirates-XRG, as part of the squad for the 81st edition of the race, which begins on August 22. Pogačar's participation marks a significant moment in cycling history. He joins an elite group of cyclists, Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, and Jacques Anquetil, as one of only four men to claim five Tour de France victories. However, unlike these legends, Pogačar has yet to secure a victory in the Vuelta, despite finishing third in the race during his sole previous appearance. His goal now is to achieve a Grand Tours hat trick, a feat that would place him among the sport’s most accomplished riders. The Vuelta this year will start with an individual time trial in Monaco, where Pogačar resides. The race will traverse France and Andorra before concluding in Granada on September 13, covering approximately 3,300 kilometers. This route presents a mix of challenging mountain stages and flat terrain, testing both endurance and tactical acumen. Pogačar, known for his aggressive riding style and ability to perform under pressure, will be looking to leverage his strengths in this demanding environment. In addition to Pogačar, the UAE Team Emirates-XRG roster includes notable names such as João Almeida, Jay Vine, Pavel Sivakov, Pablo Torres, Kevin Vermaerke, Domen Novak, and Ivo Oliveira. These riders bring a blend of experience and youthful energy, positioning the team as a strong contender throughout the race. Their presence underscores the team’s ambition to compete at the highest level across all major races. Pogačar’s bid for a Grand Tours triple adds another layer to his already impressive career. In 2024, he claimed the Giro d’Italia by a wide margin, further solidifying his status as one of the top climbers in the sport. If successful, he would join Anquetil, Hinault, and Chris Froome as the only riders to have won both the Vuelta and the Tour within the same calendar year, a remarkable achievement that highlights his versatility and consistency. The Vuelta is traditionally one of the toughest races on the calendar, with its unpredictable nature and long, grueling stages. Pogačar’s past performance in the race, where he managed to finish third, suggests he has the capability to challenge for the podium. His recent success in the Tour de France, where he demonstrated exceptional form and resilience, gives him confidence heading into the Vuelta. As the race approaches, attention will focus on how Pogačar adapts to the unique challenges of the Vuelta. With a mix of technical climbs and high-speed descents, the race demands both physical and mental toughness. His ability to navigate these conditions will be crucial in determining whether he can add the Vuelta to his list of Grand Tour triumphs. The coming weeks will see the culmination of years of preparation and determination as Pogačar aims to etch his name alongside cycling’s greatest legends.