Tadej Pogacar is an incredibly versatile and talented rider, and over the last few years he's found a lot of favourable competition in France at the Tour - which he's won twice, aswell as the Italian spring races and the Belgian cobbled classics. However, he's also looking to feature Spain in his schedule.
“The Tour de France and the World Championships," the Slovenian answered AS after finishing the Madrid Criterium this weekend in which he took the win. Whereas his teammate Juan Ayuso had a lot of spotlight on him, Pogacar took the opportunity for some casual racing in the cold weather, as he has many more in the peloton begin their training and preparation for the 2023 season.
Having missed the Volta a Catalunya and Itzulia Basque Country this year to favour his spring campaign, and then the Vuelta a Espana later in the year as he was recovering from the Tour de France and preparing for the World Championships, the Slovenian has only once competed in Spanish territory this year, not even completing the race - the Clasica San Sebastian.
“I have such good memories of the Vuelta. It was my first Grand Tour, I finished on the podium in three stages and I got the white jersey as well," he said regarding the 2019 edition. “It's one of the three Grand Tours where I have the most beautiful memories. I want to come back as fast as possible; if it's this year, we will see... more chances to do the Vuelta than the Giro this year.”
"The Return? Maybe... I will be in Spain longer," he said. It was a possibility that he would have returned this year to the Vuelta a Espana but his preparation towards races around made it complicated. That is also a possibility for the coming season, however with the World Championships following the Tour, he would likely have to skip them in order to prepare for the Vuelta properly.
“We will talk about it more in December, but next year is more of an open book. I'm sure next year we all agree that I will go to the Tour de France; that's the main goal and probably Flanders as well," he continued.
“It's different to what I'm used to, so I would say it was one of the best races I had ever done. I want to come back, but I will not promise anything and say I will compete against van der Poel or van Aert. However, I will try to do my own race and do my best," he said. This year he made his debut in the Flemish classics, riding into fourth place after fighting for the victory all the way into the final sprint.
“Like everybody else, I'm super motivated. I had a good off season, a good rest, so now I'm building up slowly towards the training camp and then towards the first races. It's going to be a big year next year," the Slovenian added.
“We've already met the new riders in the UAE team camp and now, in December, we'll have another one. So, I think we have a pretty good team and there will be great atmosphere at the races," Pogacar concluded.
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