"He could win the climbers jersey, the points jersey... he could win the whole lot" - Tadej Pogacar set for Giro d'Italia domination predicts Christian Vande Velde
CyclingSaturday, 04 May 2024 at 10:29
With Tadej Pogacar starting his Giro d'Italia debut tomorrow, the UAE Team Emirates leader is widely expected to claim the Maglia Rosa and according to ex-pro turned NBC analyst, Christian Vande Velde, Pogacar could completely dominate.
"Look, there's a good possibility he could win like eight stages," the 47-year-old American, who rode the Giro d'Italia six times during his own career, previews via the 'Beyond the Podium' podcast for NBC Sports Cycling. "There's a very high probability! He could win the climbers jersey, the points jersey... he could win the whole lot! It's going to be fun to watch."
Pogacar himself contested such claims of dominance in his pre-race press conference, calling out analysts for their disrespectful comments in regards to the rest of the riders in the race. “That's shit, and not nice. It is not respectful to the other riders. It's not all just about me and UAE Emirates," slammed the Slovenian.
Nevertheless, Vande Velde insists the race is all about Pogacar. "It's not as hard of a race. I believe I read there is 11,000 less metres of climbing than last year," he assesses, something that could actually help Pogacar in his quest for a Giro d'Italia/Tour de France. "A lot easier on the body as well."
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- it will be interesting to see his results when he steps into the bigger races. 19 wins, but so many in the fall in mid level races. still the mid races need to be won to step up to the biggies.mij09-01-2026
- Looks like his poor health just stomped on the rear mech of his cycling career.Onepiece09-01-2026
- she is so good. even her results from 2025, which were “bad”, would be a career year for most riders. and consider at MSR, for example, her teammate won - perhaps Lotte could have won it. wishing her the best for 2026!mij09-01-2026
- bummer - he was fun to watch and was young. had a lot left in him.mij09-01-2026
- What a fairytale day! Everything fell into place.mhfrvz09-01-2026
- Not sure you can say that someone as talented and successful as him has had bad luck, but between coming along right after the two titans and now this, his is a career cut short. Perhaps he can transition to a different role in the sport, but in any case I wish him well.MidnightRider08-01-2026
- I doubt it. This blows a hole in their ranks.mobk08-01-2026
- For a while there, Eli was the best of the rest in cyclocross behind Mathieu and Wout. It must be tough to be forced to retire early due to medical issues, but good health trumps everything else. I wish him the best in his future endeavors.
santiagobenites08-01-2026 - however you frame it, it seems that they asked more from Ayuso (who obviously did not deliver the needed support) than they are asking from del Torro ... who - according to this quote - just needs to show up and can then ride however he likes.Ketterechts08-01-2026
- I agree that Ayuso was wrong in doing what he did at the tour, but we don't know everything behind the feud unless they all say honestly what went wrong. If he us such a rat and traitor, which it's a bit harsh, then what is to be said about Soler when he was with Movistar and didn't want to ride for Mas? I was disappointed, yes, but realize riders also have goals, and right now, UAE is all about their golden boy.Colnago-fan08-01-2026
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"Look, there's a good possibility he could win like eight stages" #GirodItalia How many do you think Tadej Pogacar will win at the Giro d'Italia?
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