Tadej Pogacar looks unstoppable as he sets sights on another slice of history at Vuelta

Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cyclist, appears poised to make history once again as he prepares to compete in the Vuelta a España, the final Grand Tour of 2026. The race begins on Saturday from Monaco and concludes on September 13th in Granada, marking the culmination of a season dominated by the 27-year-old's relentless performances. Pogacar, who has yet to secure victory in the Vuelta, is considered the favorite to claim the top step of the podium, with his competitors seemingly resigned to his superiority. Pogacar's recent triumphs have solidified his status as one of cycling’s most formidable riders. He claimed his fifth Tour de France title in July, finishing nearly six-and-a-half minutes ahead of his nearest rival. This achievement brings him closer to joining an exclusive club of nine cyclists who have managed to win all three of Europe’s major stage races, Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, Alberto Contador, Chris Froome, Felice Gimondi, Jonas Vingegaard, and Vincenzo Nibali. A Vuelta victory would mark his seventh Grand Tour win and potentially cement his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest. The absence of key rivals adds to Pogacar’s advantage. Former Tour champion Jonas Vingegaard, who had challenged him throughout the summer, is sidelined due to a collarbone fracture and has decided to retire from competitive cycling for the 2026 season. Similarly, Remco Evenepoel, the Tour runner-up, has withdrawn from the competition. These absences, combined with Pogacar’s continued dominance, have created an environment where his success seems inevitable. Danish rider Mattias Skjelmose, who has spoken extensively about Vingegaard’s perspective, noted that the former world champion has grown frustrated by Pogacar’s consistent superiority. “Jonas says: ‘I can’t do any more. What am I supposed to do? I produce the best I’ve ever done and he just rides away from me,’” Skjelmose shared in a recent podcast. This sentiment underscores the psychological toll Pogacar’s dominance has had on his peers. Pogacar’s motivation extends beyond personal ambition. He is set to sign a long-term contract with the UAE Emirates XRG team, reportedly extending his professional career until 2031 or even 2032. This financial security and stability likely serve as additional incentives for Pogacar to maintain his current form and push toward another historic achievement. The Vuelta route presents both challenges and opportunities for Pogacar. Starting in Monaco, the race will traverse through Provence before crossing into Spain via the Pyrenees and Andorra. Over the course of 3,275 kilometers, cyclists will encounter seven summit finishes, harsh weather conditions, and rugged terrain typical of the Spanish race. The early mountain stage in Font Romeu, scheduled for stage three, could provide Pogacar with an opportunity to establish control early in the competition. Primoz Roglic, Pogacar’s fellow Slovenian and former Tour winner, remains a potential threat. Though Roglic has struggled to match Pogacar’s pace in recent years, his experience and resilience could pose a challenge. However, few riders have been able to consistently contain Pogacar, especially in the high-pressure environments of the Grand Tours. As the peloton gears up for the Vuelta, the focus remains on whether Pogacar can add another chapter to his storied career. With his rivals absent and his form at its peak, the Slovenian appears ready to etch his name deeper into the annals of cycling history.