Director Vuelte of UAE Emirates has expressed his desire for Tadej Pogačar to compete in the Volta a Catalunya, despite the Slovenian rider’s dominance. The decision regarding Pogačar's participation remains pending, with the team yet to make an official announcement. According to reports from Cyclingnews, the team is optimistic about Pogačar's involvement and believes he would bring valuable competition to the race. Director Javier Guillen emphasized that while Pogačar's performance is impressive, the team still seeks strong competitors who can challenge him. The debate over Pogačar’s potential participation in the Spanish race has been a central topic among cycling circles. Following his victory at the Tour de France, where he secured five stage wins and claimed the overall title, Pogačar has become one of the most formidable cyclists in the world. His success has raised questions about whether he will continue to participate in major races such as the Volta a Catalunya. While some speculate that Pogačar might choose to rest after the Tour, others believe he will return to competitive racing, given his current form and motivation. Guillen, speaking through Cyclingnews, stated that the team is eager to have Pogačar join them. He noted that although Pogačar’s dominance is evident, the presence of strong rivals is essential for maintaining the excitement and competitiveness of the race. “We want Tadej Pogačar, we need him,” Guillen said. “But we also want competitors of that caliber to make things difficult for him. I believe we will have them.” He added that Pogačar would face challenges, particularly from riders like Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall, and that having tough competition is crucial for both the rider and the team. Pogačar himself has not made a public statement regarding his participation in the Volta a Catalunya. However, during a recent charity event, known as the Pogi Challenge, he hinted at his intentions. The event, which took place in his hometown, was followed by a press conference where Pogačar could potentially confirm his plans. Despite the speculation, Pogačar has remained focused on his achievements, expressing satisfaction with his performance at the Tour de France. He described the experience as a culmination of hard work and dedication, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process and having support from trusted teammates. In addition to Pogačar, other notable Slovenian cyclists such as Matej Mohorič and Jan Tratnik participated in the Tour de France. Mohorič, though unable to secure a stage win, showed strong performances throughout the race. He finished sixth in the final stage, demonstrating his ability to contribute to the team’s efforts even without personal glory. Mohorič has expressed his intention to remain active in professional cycling, stating that he is not ready to retire and is motivated to continue competing in future races. Meanwhile, the Volta a Catalunya, set to begin shortly after the Tour de France, remains a key event in the cycling calendar. It is anticipated that Pogačar’s participation could significantly impact the race, especially considering his track record against top-tier competitors. If he joins the field, he would be a clear favorite, potentially securing another victory and adding to his already impressive list of achievements. The race is expected to feature several strong contenders, including Roglic, Gall, and other domestic riders, creating a highly competitive environment. As the cycling community awaits further confirmation from Pogačar’s team, the focus remains on the upcoming Volta a Catalunya. With Pogačar’s potential involvement, the race promises to be one of the most exciting events of the season. Whether he chooses to compete or take a break, his decisions will undoubtedly shape the course of the race and influence the outcomes for all participants.
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