Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cyclist, has the opportunity to complete two career milestones during the upcoming Vuelta a España. He could become the fifth rider in history to win all three Grand Tours, Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España, and also achieve a rare triple in mountain classifications. This would mark a historic achievement for Pogačar, who already holds the record for the most stage wins in a single Tour de France season with five victories this year. Pogačar's potential completion of the Grand Triple would place him among an elite group of cyclists who have won all three major multi-stage races. Currently, only Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, Jacques Anquetil, Chris Froome, and Alberto Contador have achieved this feat. Pogačar has already secured the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia titles, making the Vuelta his final missing piece. If he succeeds, he will join these legendary names in cycling history. In addition to the overall victory, Pogačar is also aiming to complete a mountain classification triple. This would mean becoming the best climber in each of the three Grand Tours. So far, only two cyclists, Federico Bahamontes and Luis Herrera, have managed this feat. Pogačar has already claimed the mountains classification in both the Tour de France and Giro d'Italia, with the Vuelta being his last remaining challenge. The Vuelta a España starts in late August and runs through September, providing Pogačar with a crucial opportunity to solidify his legacy. His previous participation in the race in 2019 was marked by a third-place finish and a fourth position in the mountains classification. Now, with more experience and physical maturity, Pogačar is considered a favorite to dominate the race. According to reports, Pogačar's preparation for the Vuelta has been intense. He has maintained a high level of fitness throughout the season, which includes winning the Tour de France and securing multiple stage victories. His team, UAE Team Emirates, has also shown confidence in his ability to perform well in the challenging terrain of Spain. Veteran cyclist Maurizio Fondriest believes Pogačar is the strongest contender for the Vuelta title. He argues that Pogačar's recent performances indicate he is ready to take on the challenges of the Spanish race. Fondriest notes that while other top riders like Jonas Vingegaard might pose a threat, Pogačar's form and experience give him a clear advantage. Despite his ambitions, Pogačar faces the challenge of balancing his racing schedule. The Vuelta comes just weeks before the World Championships, which adds pressure to his preparations. However, Fondriest suggests that Pogačar should focus on building his legacy gradually rather than attempting to win all three Grand Tours in one season. He warns that such an ambitious goal could lead to long-term consequences for Pogačar's body and career. Historically, no cyclist has managed to win all three Grand Tours in the same calendar year. While Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Chris Froome have won consecutive Grand Tours across different seasons, none have achieved the feat of conquering all three in a single year. Pogačar's attempt to do so would be unprecedented and extremely demanding. As the Vuelta approaches, attention turns to whether Pogačar can complete his Grand Triple and cement his status as one of the greatest cyclists of all time. With his current form and determination, the possibility seems very real, though the challenges ahead remain formidable.
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