"The only Grand Tour he needs to further cement his legendary status" - Vuelta director makes the case for Pogacar return

The return of Tadej Pogacar to the Vuelta a España has been something debated over the past few years, but ultimately his ambitions at the Tour de France and World Championships have gotten in the way. With two months left to the start, the question has risen again, and Javier Guillén has argued why Pogacar should be present.

After winning two world titles, it is plausible that this year the Slovenian would trade his usual preparation for the worlds and give a go at the Vuelta. Jonas Vingegaard has now won all three Grand Tours following his Giro d'Italia, adding this achievement to the palmarès before the Slovenian.

Recently at an altitude camp in Sierra Nevada, it was reported that Pogacar also rode up a few climbs that will be used at the Spanish Grand Tour - which will also finish in the very same area. Adding to the home start in Monaco, the perfect conditions are gathered to convince the UAE Team Emirates - XRG rider, whose presence would make a massive difference for the race.

But his participation is only a question that will be answered following the Tour de France. Javier Guillén, director of the race, knows this. But he also knows that the race has leverage, and Pogacar would in fact make history if he wins it this year.

"Pogacar's participation? It will all depend on how the Tour de France finishes," the Vuelta director said in words to Marca. "What's clear is that La Vuelta is the only Grand Tour he needs to further cement his legendary status."

The race was initially meant to end in the Canary Islands with two stages in Gran Canaria and two in the island of Tenerife, where it would end in Santa Cruz. This was ultimately ruled out after last year's issues with Israel - Premier Tech.

The race will be going through the Mediterranean coast and the southeastern part of the nation throughout most of its course, and will end in Andalucia. There will be four more days in the southern region which is known for its extreme heat.

As talks of another extreme heat wave haunt the Spanish weather forecasts for the upcoming week, this is a question that was delivered to Guillén.

"The heat cannot prevent us from going to certain areas," he responded. "It is part of the competition and we must adapt to these conditions." In August and September, it is widely accepted that the riders will not be able to avoid it.

But with the extreme weather protocol in place, there is only so much that the peloton will be put through before the race's nature would change. "They are planned for cases of extreme temperatures. We are prepared and will evaluate each situation as it arises,” he assured.