Tadej Pogacar Vuelta 2025: Grand Tour Treble Bid Confirmed 2026

Tadej Pogacar has confirmed he will ride the Vuelta a España in 2025, seeking to complete a historic Grand Tour treble after winning the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France this season. The Slovenian superstar's announcement sets up a monumental challenge as he targets the only Grand Tour title missing from his palmarès.

Pogacar's Vuelta Ambition: A Rare Grand Tour Treble

Winning all three Grand Tours in a single season—the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España—is one of cycling's most elusive achievements. Only a handful of riders have ever completed the treble, and Pogacar now has the chance to join that elite club. His long-time rival Jonas Vingegaard achieved a similar feat in 2023, winning the Giro and Tour, but skipped the Vuelta. Pogacar's decision to race in Spain shows his relentless hunger for greatness.

Route Analysis: Mountains and Time Trials

The 2025 Vuelta, starting in Monaco on 22 August, features eight mountain stages and over 40km of individual time trials. The opening weekend includes a time trial in Monaco, followed by stages in Andorra and along the Mediterranean coast. The race then shifts to southern Spain, with stages centered on Córdoba, Málaga, and Seville, before concluding in Granada on 13 September. This balanced route offers opportunities for both climbers and time trialists, suiting Pogacar's all-around abilities.

Pogacar's Vuelta History and Form

Pogacar made his Grand Tour debut in the 2019 Vuelta, finishing third and winning three stages. That performance announced him as a future superstar. Now, with five Tour de France titles and a Giro win in 2025, he returns to Spain as the overwhelming favorite. His post-Tour fatigue was evident, but he has stated, "The motivation is high to finish off the year in a good way."

Challenges and Competition

While Pogacar is the clear favorite, the Vuelta always throws surprises. Riders like Primoz Roglic, a three-time Vuelta winner, and emerging talents will challenge him. Additionally, the cumulative fatigue of a long season could be a factor. However, Pogacar's team has confirmed a strong lineup to support his bid.

• Historic opportunity: Pogacar aims to become only the third rider to win all three Grand Tours in one season.
• Route suits him: The mix of mountains and time trials plays to his strengths.
• Rivalry renewed: Potential clashes with Vingegaard, though Vingegaard may skip after injury.
• Legacy: A treble would cement Pogacar as one of the greatest cyclists ever.

Key Takeaways for Cycling Fans

This Vuelta promises to be a spectacle. Pogacar's participation elevates the race's profile, and fans can expect aggressive racing from the start. The opening time trial in Monaco will set the tone, and the mountain stages in Andorra will be decisive. Whether he completes the treble or not, this is a must-watch event.

FAQ