"I might also do the World Championship time trial this year" - Is Tadej Pogacar targeting Rainbow Jersey double in Rwanda?

After a record breaking and all-conquering 2024, there's not much missing from the palmares of Tadej Pogacar. In 2025 though, the Slovenian is keen to tick off a few of those notable wins he's yet to claim, such as Milano-Sanremo, the Vuelta a Espana and even the World Championship time trial?

In Zurich last year of course, Pogacar stormed to an incredible Rainbow Jersey win in the men's elite road race, launching his race-winning attack from 100km out. With the course in Rwanda this year set to be one of the most challenging in recent memory, could the Slovenian now be eyeing up a double World Championship success in 2025? “The course there is even tougher than it was in Zurich. You need a good pair of climbing legs again. And there are tough weather conditions. It will be hot and humid. The altitude will also play a role," he previews in conversation with WielerFlits.

As such, whilst he's likely to start as overwhelming favourite for the road race, Pogacar is also teasing the possibility of testing himself against the clock in Africa. "You really have to be physically fit and maybe even go there early. I might also do the World Championship time trial this year," he assesses. "Of course, the Tour is always the biggest challenge, but my biggest wish is to extend my world title. Winning the rainbow jersey once is incredible. Now that I can wear it, I feel really proud of it. It's really great. I don't want to let go of that.”

As mentioned, despite being reigning Giro d'Italia and Tour de France champion, Pogacar also has firm goals in the Spring Classics. “Simple: because I like them! I like the way of racing, the racing style and I like the Belgian fans. They create a cycling atmosphere as it should be in their classics. That is why I am really looking forward to it," he says warmly. "And yes, Gent Wevelgem is a bit of a strange race for me. I see it as a challenge, we will see how it goes. It might go horribly wrong, but I am looking forward to that too. I think that trying new races makes me more complete as a rider. In general, it is good for my feeling on the bike.”