Tadej Pogacar to "see what’s left in the tank" before deciding on Grand Tour hattrick in 2024

With both the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France heavily targeted by Tadej Pogacar this year, there has some suggestion recently that the Slovenian may even triple-up at the Vuelta a Espana.

When questioned about this possibility by various media outlets including Cycling News, in Abu Dhabi, Pogacar didn't completely deny the possibility. Although, he did admit it would be an immense effort.

“I don’t think so, not for now anyway,” he assesses. “Let's take it step by step and see how the season starts, how the preparation goes for the Giro d'Italia and what’s left in the tank after the first part of the season.”  

“It’s a bit of a different approach this year. I start a little bit late but not too late. It's still a busy schedule with all the preparation, recon and thinking about two Grand Tours,” the UAE Team Emirates leader continues. “I usually like to race a little bit before the big goals but I think you can simulate racing in training, you can be ready for the first races. Strade Bianche will be the first big one-day race for other riders, too.”

Not since Marco Pantani back in 1998 has anyone successfully managed the Giro/Tour double. Does Pogacar believe it is genuinely a realistic ambition for him? “I want to do the Giro well and I think I’m then capable of doing the Tour on a good level then too,” he answers confidently.

“The Olympics is a one-day race and so I'm not planning all my calendar around the Games. My big goals are the Giro, Tour and then the World Championship," he concludes.