OPINION | Why Tadej Pogačar has chosen the World Championships over the Vuelta a Espana

Tadej Pogačar has firmly established himself as one of the most talented and versatile cyclists of all time. With three Tour de France victories and a dominant Giro victory already under his belt, the Slovenian rider has proven his prowess onvarious terrains and in different race formats.

But for the first time in his career, Pogacar has turned up on an opportunity to create history. Pogacar has decided to not race the Vuelta a Espana, in favour of prioritising winning his first rainbow jersey at the World Championships.

Yes, winning the rainbow jersey after securing a Giro and Tour this year would be an historical achievement. But, no one has ever won all three grand tours in the same season. For once, Pogacar has walked away from making history.

This choice isn't just about personal glory but also about his legacy and the broader dynamics of professional cycling. So, let’s delve into why Pogačar has chosen to prioritize the World Championships this year.

The Case for the Road World Championships

Prestige and Unique Honor

The Road World Championships offer a unique prestige that is different from a Grand Tour victory. Wearing the rainbow jersey for an entire year is an honour that few cyclists experience. It is a symbol of excellence recognized across all disciplines of cycling. For Pogačar, winning the World Championships would not only diversify his list of achievements but also enhance his reputation as a versatile rider capable of excelling in one-day races as well as stage races.

Perhaps Pogacar has witnessed the likes of Remco Evenepoel, and Mathieu Van der Poel, write their names into the history books with the rainbow jersey, and wants to taste this glory himself.

Course Suitability

The course of the Road World Championships often varies, but it typically features a mix of challenging climbs, technical descents, and flat sections. The 2024 course in Zurich is no different, and it is a terrain that suits Pogačar’s all-rounder capabilities. Given his strength in climbing and his improved time-trialling, Pogačar could potentially dominate a course designed to test a wide range of skills.

Moreover, the one-day format of the World Championships offers a different type of challenge compared to the sustained efforts required in a Grand Tour, allowing Pogačar to showcase his cycling IQ and explosive power in a different setting. As seen at Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Strade Bianche earlier this year, Pogačar has the beating of the classics specialists on punchy courses.

Legacy

Winning the World Championships has a historical and symbolic impact that transcends even the most prestigious Grand Tours. The rainbow jersey is a globalsymbol of cycling excellence. For Pogačar, a victory here would place him among the elite cyclists who have managed to achieve success across various formats of the sport. It would also position him as a rider who can adapt to and conquer any race, further solidifying his legacy.

But perhaps there’s another element. Pogacar may believe, or know, that he can win the Vuelta. His main rivals won’t be there, and quite frankly he’s a class above the field in 2024. But, at a one day road race, like the World Championships, anything can happen. Remco Evenepoel’s Olympic performance may have been the one performance this year that would have concerned Pogacar, and the likes of Van der Poel and Van Aert may fancy their chances on the shorter climbs. This lack of certainty may be what motivates Pogacar after such a dominant year to date.

Physical and Mental Considerations

Balancing Peak Performance

One of the most significant challenges in professional cycling is timing peak performance. The demands of peaking for a three-week Grand Tour are vastly different from those of a one-day World Championship race. Focusing on the Vuelta would require Pogačar to maintain peak condition over an extended period, having already completed six weeks of Grand Tour racing this year.

On the other hand, the World Championships demand a perfectly timed peak for a single day. Given Pogačar’s young age and resilience, he has the potential to excel in both, but balancing these peaks is a delicate task.

Recovery and Longevity

Cycling is a sport that takes a considerable toll on the body, and managing recovery is crucial for a long and successful career. Choosing to focus on the Vuelta might mean enduring another gruelling three-week race, which could impact his performance later in the season or in the following year. On the other hand, the World Championships, while intense, is a one-day effort, potentially allowing for a more measured approach to recovery and future race planning.

Strategic Decision

Team and Personal Goals

Ultimately, Pogačar’s decision will likely came down to a combination of personal ambition and team strategy. UAE Team Emirates will have weighed the benefits of another potential Grand Tour win against the prestige of a World Championship title. Pogačar himself will have considered his long-term career goals, his physical condition, and his desire to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.

There’s also the consideration that UAE Team Emirates have a number of young riders with personal goals aside from supporting Pogačar. João Almeida went under the radar at the Tour de France, and was undoubtedly the best rider outside the top 3. Both he and Juan Ayuso have finished on Grand Tour podiums before, and will not always be content to sacrifice themselves for Pogačar. Pogacar will not want to suffocate his Tour de France ‘super team,’ and will therefore want to give some freedom for likes of Adam Yates, Almedia and Ayuso to strive for their own personal glory.

Conclusion

Tadej Pogačar’s decision to prioritize the Road World Championships over the Vuelta a España is a testament to his exceptional talent and the high stakes of professional cycling. The World Championships offer a chance to achieve a prestigious and historic victory, complementing his Grand Tour successes and enhancing his legacy as a truly versatile cyclist.

The prestige of the World Championships, coupled with the historical significance of the rainbow jersey, offers a unique and lasting impact. That being said, I feel we won’t have to wait too long to see Pogacar crush his opponents in the iconic red jersey of the Vuelta.