Tadej Pogacar looks unstoppable as he sets his sights on another slice of history at the Vuelta a España. The Slovenian superstar enters the final Grand Tour of 2026 as the overwhelming favorite, with rivals already conceding defeat. After a dominant Tour de France victory by nearly six and a half minutes, Pogacar aims to complete a rare Tour-Vuelta double and join an elite group of cyclists who have won all three Grand Tours.
The Unstoppable Force
Pogacar's 2026 season has been nothing short of spectacular. He won the Tour de France with unprecedented ease, leaving the peloton in awe. His aggressive riding style, combined with exceptional climbing and time-trialing abilities, makes him a nightmare for competitors. At just 27, he already has six Grand Tour victories, and a seventh would cement his legacy as one of the greatest cyclists of all time.
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The Vuelta a España, starting in Monaco on Saturday, presents a unique challenge. The course features brutal mountain stages and unpredictable weather, but Pogacar has proven he can adapt to any terrain. His last appearance in the Vuelta was in 2019, and he has since evolved into a more complete rider.
Historical Context
If Pogacar wins, he will become the ninth rider in history to win all three Grand Tours – the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia, and Vuelta a España. The exclusive list includes legends like Eddy Merckx, Bernard Hinault, and Chris Froome. Achieving this feat would place Pogacar in the pantheon of cycling greats.
The Tour-Vuelta double is equally rare. Only Chris Froome accomplished it in 2017, and Pogacar is determined to replicate that success. His preparation has been meticulous, with a focus on peaking for the three-week race.
Key Rivals and Absences
Pogacar's path is made easier by the absence of his biggest rivals. Jonas Vingegaard, who crashed out of the Tour de France, has ended his season due to a collarbone fracture. Remco Evenepoel, the Tour runner-up, is also skipping the Vuelta. This leaves a void at the top, and Pogacar's competitors are already fighting for second place.
Danish rider Mattias Skjelmose revealed that Vingegaard has become disheartened by Pogacar's dominance, saying, "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 rips me apart.'" This psychological edge further boosts Pogacar's confidence.
Comparison: Pogacar vs. Past Greats
| Rider | Grand Tour Wins | Triple Crown | Tour-Vuelta Double |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tadej Pogacar | 6 (and counting) | No (yet) | No (yet) |
| Eddy Merckx | 11 | Yes | Yes (1973) |
| Chris Froome | 7 | Yes | Yes (2017) |
| Jonas Vingegaard | 2 | No | No |
What to Expect in the 2026 Vuelta
The race features 21 stages, including multiple summit finishes and a decisive individual time trial. Pogacar is expected to dominate the mountains and gain time in the time trial. His team, UAE Team Emirates, has assembled a strong squad to support him.
While the outcome seems predictable, cycling is full of surprises. Crashes, mechanical issues, or a sudden loss of form could change everything. But based on current form, Pogacar is the clear favorite to stand atop the podium in Granada on September 13.
Key Takeaways
- Pogacar aims for his 7th Grand Tour win and a historic Tour-Vuelta double.
- He would become the 9th rider to win all three Grand Tours.
- Main rivals Vingegaard and Evenepoel are absent, clearing his path.
- The Vuelta starts in Monaco and finishes in Granada.
- Pogacar's dominance is unprecedented in modern cycling.
FAQ
Has Tadej Pogacar ever won the Vuelta a España?
No, Pogacar has never won the Vuelta. His only appearance was in 2019, where he finished third. A win in 2026 would complete his Grand Tour collection.
Who are Pogacar's main competitors in the 2026 Vuelta?
With Vingegaard and Evenepoel absent, riders like Primoz Roglic, Juan Ayuso, and Carlos Rodriguez are expected to challenge, but they are considered underdogs against Pogacar.
What is the Tour-Vuelta double?
It refers to winning both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España in the same season. Only Chris Froome achieved it in 2017, and Pogacar is aiming to become the second.
As the Vuelta a España unfolds, all eyes will be on Tadej Pogacar. His quest for history is not just about winning; it's about dominating in a way that redefines the sport. Whether he succeeds or not, his performance will be a defining moment in cycling.
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