"There are always pitfalls" - Tadej Pogacar handed Tour de France warning as Miguel Indurain rates his chances
CyclingWednesday, 01 July 2026 at 09:50
Tadej Pogacar arrives at the Tour de France this weekend as the red-hot favourite. He's won four of the last six tours and knows more than most just how much can go wrong in the battle for yellow every day.
As does Miguel Indurain, winner of the Tour five years in a row. The Slovenian is aiming to match the Spanish legend's record this month and has received some words of comfort but also a timely warning from the 61-year-old.
Indurain doesn't shy away from the fact that Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates - XRG are the big favourites, having the form and team strength to back it up. However, warned of the complications that arise during a three-week Tour. Not casting doubt on his favouritism, Indurain isn't getting ahead of himself.
"Well, yes, Pogacar is very strong. He and his team are in top form and excited," Indurain told Eurosport.
"He's also the winner of the last two Tours, so he's the number one favorite. But the rest will certainly make it difficult for him, and then in the race itself, a Tour is complicated."
Team time trial looms
He noted that Pogacar is in good spirits, but in his short analysis, noted a key factor in this year's tour - the first stage. Saturday's opening day features a crucial team time trial.
With ASO's rules for the discipline differing from others, the fastest rider across the line for each team sets their stage time. For GC riders, the most important consideration is that every rider's individual time goes towards their time in the ranking - making it a more decisive opening day than in previous editions.
Indurain said: "Start in Barcelona, team time trial... there are always pitfalls, and you have to take it one day at a time. But Pogacar is in good spirits, and I think he's going to be the top favourite."
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Indurain on Seixas and Ayuso
Paul Seixas is another potential contender on many fans' lips. Although Indurain worries about his age and the responsibility that comes with the Tour, he knows that athletes across all sports now perform at the highest level at a younger age.
Indurain said: "Well, he's a young guy. Maybe too young for the responsibility of a Tour de France, but nowadays young people in all sports take the reins very early and I'm sure he'll do well."
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From a Spanish perspective, Juan Ayuso will fly the flag among the favourites. But Indurain has a more long-term vision for the Lidl-Trek signing after he left Pogacar's UAE over winter.
"Yes, there are some good young riders in Spanish cycling. Juan Ayuso has changed teams; he was with UAE. That, whether you like it or not, throws you off a bit, but he has the potential to fight for a Grand Tour. Maybe not this year, but in the future I think he has the possibility of doing great things."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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- were we told this by mus musculus or one of his many predecessors?Ketterechts01-07-2026
- Ditto. On any given day, in the right situation... Wout can and has gotten over on Pog. Too bad we won't get a rematch on the Rue Lepic this year.mrvco01-07-2026
- Favourites for the TTT for sure
Rafionain-Glas01-07-2026 - Some people are saying that Jonas is no longer Jonas Vingegaard, but "Jonas Hansen."mus-musculuspeedypogigonzales01-07-2026
- A moment of silliness: Perhaps after Pogačar has won 6 Tours (or 7), 6x Lombardia, 4x Flanders, Roubaix, the Vuelta, and a few more Liege, meaning that he’s on the top of as many lists as possible, he will take a small breather, bulk up, and become a sprinter. It’s the only thing he hasn’t mastered completely yet.RidesHills01-07-2026
- I'm asking once again, what did I write in may upper comment to make you become so mean. All my comments are true and competent, yours aren't. That's the difference between you and me.mus-musculuspeedypogigonzales01-07-2026
- good to know. then i think i will postpone the start of my professional career to after the olympic games in 2028 ...Ketterechts01-07-2026
- Let's hope he something, wasted himself under Lefervre towards the end..as he missed tours due to him
leedorney01-07-2026 - Errr how can you shape the race when you do not even have a team leader. Thomas fab rider but is like a director sportif from the 80's. Come on instead od spouting jargon just say we are going for stage winspaultryan200201-07-2026
- Despite the headline this piece had nothing to to with Vins wife. Clickbait at it''s worst and more than a bit pathetic cyclinguptodate.Cyclingsbestfan01-07-2026
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