Report suggests Tadej Pogacar has already decided to race Vuelta a Espana

It was an open secret. However, UAE Team Emirates - XRG have not obviously been too secretive when it comes to Tadej Pogacar's schedule this season. Almost everyone knows that he is set to race the Vuelta a España, however a report now suggests this was already confirmed within the team.

The news was brought forward by journalist Ciro Scognamiglio of La Gazzeta dello Sport: "It wasn't a secret at all. UAE Team Emirates XRG sources have confirmed to us that, after the Tour de France, Pogacar will be at the start of the Vuelta a España six years after his first and only participation."

Thus, fans will be able to enjoy a double challenge Tadej Pogacar vs Jonas Vingegaard on 2 of the 3 Grand Tours of cycling in 2025, as before La Vuelta they will face each other for the fifth time in the Tour.

For Pogacar, the decision is quite logical. After achieving the Giro d'Italia - Tour de France double in 2024, going it alone for the Grande Boucle in 2025 felt unambitious. After having the best individual year in cycling history, the world champion will want to win the only Grand Tour he hasn't so far and there is little reason to delay a return to the Spanish Grand Tour.

The Vuelta a España is not yet in his palmares, so it was clear that sooner or later he was going to try it. The only time he participated was 6 years ago. In that 2019 edition, a very young Pogacar finished 3rd overall, only behind Primoz Roglic and Alejandro Valverde, as well as winning three stages. It was his first-ever Grand Tour.

As to whether he will make his debut in Paris-Roubaix this year, rumors and statements remain contradictory. Pogacar has yet to test himself in the Hell of the North. It's another race he has yet to add to his long list of successes. Everything points to the fact that we will have to wait at least until he races Milano-Sanremo, next March 22, to know his final decision.