Tadej Pogacar doesn't rule out attempting Grand Tour treble in future, but "I'm still young and I don't want to destroy myself with 3 Grand Tours in a few months"

After his dominant and comprehensive triumphs at the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France in 2024, some had hoped that Tadej Pogacar would attempt to write a unique piece of cycling history by tripling up at the Vuelta a Espana. Whilst that didn't happen, the UAE Team Emirates leader doesn't complete rule it out for future seasons.

"That could have happened, yes. But it was the right decision not to participate, because after the Tour I was really tired," the Slovenian says in conversation with La Gazzetta dello Sport ahead of his return to racing in Canada at the GP Quebec and GP Montreal. "I'm glad I rested. I was actually able to experience a real summer for once."

When pressed on whether or not it's something he would target in future however, Pogacar admits it is something he could consider. "Maybe in the long term, but not yet," the 25-year-old assesses of the potential of a Grand Tour hat-trick. "I'm still young and I don't want to destroy myself with 3 Grand Tours in a few months. That's a big risk. There are so many racing days and the pressure is very high."

Another big goal for Pogacar's future, is winning all five of cycling's monuments. To date, Pogacar has victories at Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Il Lombardia and the Tour of Flanders, whilst he also has three top 5 finishes at Milano Sanremo to his name. The fifth and final monument however, is one that Pogacar has so far steered clear from. So when can we expect the UAE Team Emirates superstar to take on the famed cobbles of Paris-Roubaix?

"There is so much strength and luck needed in that race, but that is hearsay. I will try one day. In 2025? Difficult, but not impossible. I leave all doors open for next year," he assesses honestly. "I have worked a lot off the bike this year. I think there is still room for improvement."