"Hoping that he’s saving a bit for the Worlds" - Vuelta riders beg for breakaway chance amid Pogacar dominance of Spanish Grand Tour
CyclingSaturday, 29 August 2026 at 13:20
The headlines may rave about Tadej Pogacar's dominance or devastating solo attacks upsetting his general classification rivals, but there's often a whole peloton disappointed after the UAE leader surges to a stage win at a Grand Tour.
In fact, often forgotten is the breakaway's heartbreak during Pogacar's shows of force. As the Slovenian commands control of the red jersey, he cemented his position with a stage 4 solo in Andorra, putting minutes into the GC field - thus also essentially removing the chances of a breakaway win.
In fact, for some in the breakaway, the battle itself becomes secondary as they gamble first to see if they'll have the opportunity to fight eachother such is the Vuelta food chain in the opening wee. For NSN's breakaway hunter George Bennett, he and others are hoping that Pogacar is trying to keep fuel in the tank for the World Championships on September 27th.
“It’s absolutely that. I think what we’re kind of hoping for or gambling on is, how does he want to win? Does he want to win every stage? Does he want to keep the jersey the whole way?” Bennett told Domestique.
“I think maybe there’s an element of hoping that he’s saving a bit for the Worlds. Everything we’re playing for is based on him not really being arsed to win the stage with future goals in mind, if you know what I mean. But if he wants to win, he wins."
George Bennett
Pogacar's incredible stage 4 performance
What makes the breakaways chances plummet when Pogacar attacks is the sheer pace the Slovenian drives on the uphill. Tuesday's fourth stage exhibition was underlined by out-of-this-world climbing performances Bennett was able to put into perspective as an Andorra resident.
“I mean, I know those climbs. I know the times he did up those hills. There’s not a man in the cycling world that was staying with him. And it didn’t matter how many of the strong guys were there to work. It was so hard, so steep, high altitude – not a chance.”
New Zealand champion Bennett is amidst a Tour de France and Vuelta double, and although doing so in previous seasons, notices that this time around his shape isn't quite where it needs to be after a demanding Tour.
Demanding Tour-Vuelta double
With other riders such as Mattias Skjelmose also feeling the pressure of a second Grand Tour, combining the two is a tall order.
“Andorra was a bit of a shock for me, I guess. In the past, I’ve been really good here after the Tour, but that was not on the back of a full, full season. I think I’m in the 70s for race days already.
“I also knew I was doing the Vuelta the other times, whereas this time I thought I was training for the Worlds in six weeks or so. But I’ve been bad in races before and then had a good day, so you’ve got to stay optimistic, because as soon as you lose the head, it’s game over.”
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- Yankees go home... and stay there.PogiSloFans29-08-2026
- Maybe I am "artificial intelligence"... and have the ability to outsmart all of you wannabe cycling commentators. It means I use my cleverness, quick thinking and strategy to beat all of you Yankees. Capish?PogiSloFans29-08-2026
- Lol the UCI have found a goose that keeps on laying golden eggs.Cyclingsbestfan29-08-2026
- Stop being so modest. Why would you hear that from a birdie? You and Pog are such good friends I think he may have told you that when you called him before the start.
Andrew29-08-2026 - Without a doubt it has changed its login many times and probably has more that one login that it uses to support itself.Andrew29-08-2026
- He can but does he want to is what you should asking Mr Americano. XxxAndrew29-08-2026
- @frieders3 - I am reasonably certain his mouth gets well worked at the gymAndrew29-08-2026
- Your mouth gets overworked - at the gym also old man ?frieders329-08-2026
- Pretty sure his login has changed multiple times due to being kicked off this site for idiotic comments.frieders329-08-2026
- Wout was a monster today. I really thought his day would end after the intermediate sprint.DAS28-08-2026
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