"He’s such an overwhelming favourite that you can’t put anyone on his level" - Javier Ares on Tadej Pogacar

The Tour de Romandie returns to the calendar as a fixtures that blend tradition and toughness, a race defined by its mountainous profile and its historic role in building towards cycling’s biggest targets. For decades, the Swiss stage race was a benchmark to gauge the form of contenders for the Giro d’Italia, this year it will be the Tour de France contenders using it as the last race of their spring campaign.

Today, as we say, the context has changed. Modern planning, built on altitude camps and more selective schedules, has reduced the presence of star leaders in this type of race. Even so, Tadej Pogacar’s participation this year brings back a spotlight the event once enjoyed.

Javier Ares underlines that contrast between past and present, noting that “it’s a race held on Swiss soil, in the French-speaking region, and for many years it even carried extra pedigree through its connection with the Giro d’Italia.” Along the same lines, he recalls how today’s cycling has shifted: “Now it’s much harder to find Giro hopefuls racing here, because riders prefer to spend a month at altitude before tackling their main goals.”

The Eurosport commentator, on his YouTube channel, also highlights the direct impact of the Slovenian’s presence this year: “the race has been brought back to life on this occasion by Pogacar’s presence, and that’s saying a lot, it’s a guarantee of success.” Although he qualifies that effect, acknowledging that “in some way it also overshadows the participation of many other riders,” he insists that Pogacar “gives it a cachet and a pedigree that makes it regain all its lustre.”

Ares also places the UAE leader’s ambition in a broader frame: “Pogacar is looking to bulk up that dazzling palmarès he already has, to enrich his schedule with wins in this kind of stage race.” A decision that, he explains, is part of his build-up towards bigger targets: “This year he has penciled in Romandie and the Tour de Suisse as a pathway towards the Tour de France.”

On how the race has evolved, he stresses that “times have changed, and they’ve changed because we’re witnessing a different way of preparing the season.” Even so, he does not dismiss the event’s appeal: “We have to accept what we see and enjoy the occasions when some of the big favourites cross paths to deliver beautiful battles.”

As for the route, Ares underlines its toughness and variety: “The remaining stages have mountains to spare, with demanding finishes that can create gaps.” A design that, in his view, opens the door to different protagonists: “There’ll be no chance for pure sprinters, but plenty for many other teams to find their moment.”

Pogacar’s potential dominance is another key point in his analysis. While he recognizes his favourite status, he tones down the more extreme expectations: “The idea that he could win all six stages seems truly far-fetched to me.” And he adds an important nuance: “He won’t go flat out every day, nor are all the stages made for him, despite the route being very demanding.”

He also addresses the debate about the Slovenian’s possible ‘intimidation’ factor: “I don’t want to deny there’s some truth in the idea that certain teams might prefer to avoid him, but I don’t think it’s the main reason.” For Ares, the explanation is simpler: “Many teams choose other races because of the route profile or their calendar planning.”

Finally, he is clear about the current hierarchy in the peloton: “He’s such an overwhelming favourite that you can’t put anyone on his level right now.” However, he adds cycling’s unpredictable element: “Until the final finish line is crossed, no one is champion, not even Pogacar.”