"There’s a step where he is, then a middle step, and then the rest of us": Mikel Landa heaps praise on Tadej Pogacar

Mikel Landa’s return to racing at the Volta a Catalunya marks the start of his 17th professional season, a phase in which the Soudal - Quick-Step rider approaches the sport with a different perspective, in step with cycling’s evolution.

Before opening his calendar, the Basque rider reflected in an interview with MARCA on how the hierarchy in the WorldTour peloton has shifted, pointing directly to Tadej Pogacar as today’s benchmark. "He’s on another level. There’s a step where he is, then a middle step, and then the rest of us," Landa said, summing up the current hierarchy of the bunch.

Far from a surrender, this assessment reflects a reset of his goals. Landa admits it is increasingly hard to fight for the top places on GC, so he now prioritises stage wins without losing sight of a solid overall, but without the constant pressure of the podium. "It’s getting harder and harder, so I prefer to focus more on fighting for a stage and still being there in the GC, but maybe without that obsession with the podium," he noted.

Starting the season in Catalunya does not change his motivation. The rider insists he tackles the year with the same intention as always: to enjoy racing and seize every opening. "There’s nothing in particular that makes this season special, but I hope to enjoy it like all the others, have fun and make the most of every moment," he said.

The Volta a Catalunya gathers headline protagonists such as Jonas Vingegaard, Remco Evenepoel and Joao Almeida, raising the competitive bar at a point in the calendar when simply banking race rhythm is no longer enough.

"Just getting race pace isn’t sufficient anymore; it’s March and you have to take the chances that come. There are very strong rivals, so winning will be difficult, but we’ll try to be there," he commented.

Across his career, the rider has had to adapt to cycling’s constant shifts. Tools like power control have been part of his routine since turning pro, while newer trends have proved more demanding. "Power has been with me since I became professional, so I’m used to it. But newer trends, like heat training, are harder for me. Even so, I’ve adapted as best I could," he acknowledged.

For Landa, staying at the top for so many years comes down to sacrifice and recovery. He believes performance in cycling depends largely on daily recovery, both to reach peak level and to overcome difficult moments. "A lot of sacrifice and recovery capacity. Our performance is based on recovering every day, whether to reach the highest level or to come back after an injury," he explained.

Looking ahead, the rider sets no firm limits. He does not know if this will be his final season, but for now he intends to keep racing, leaving any definitive decision for later.

"I don’t know if it will be my last year. In my head I want to continue. We’ll see during the season whether it’s here or elsewhere, how and under what conditions, but right now my idea is to carry on," he concluded.