Tadej Pogačar plans to win the Tour and Olympic gold in 2026
The Slovenian rider from UAE Team Emirates has set an ambitious goal for his career. According to reports, his plan focuses on the year 2026, aiming to claim victory in the Tour de France and, shortly after, win the gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympic Games. 🚴♂️🏆
A double reserved for the elite
Achieving this historic double in the same summer is a feat that very few cyclists accomplish. The last one to do it was the Russian Alexandr Kolobnev in 2008, when the Olympic event was a road race. Pogačar, who already has two victories in the Grande Boucle, seeks to emulate and surpass this milestone to consolidate his legacy in world cycling.
Keys to the challenge:- Prolonged preparation: Maintaining peak form during the key months of July and August.
- Versatility: His ability to perform on various terrains, from mountains to time trials, will be fundamental.
- Team management: UAE Team Emirates must plan his calendar for two form peaks separated by weeks.
"The only obstacle in his path seems to be that 175 other cyclists also have plans for that summer, and some even think about winning."
The critical route: from the Tour to Los Angeles
To achieve his goal, planning must be meticulous. The Tour de France, in July, demands maximum effort, and the Olympic event, scheduled for August, requires recovery and a new form peak. His strategy will be designed around this unprecedented double objective in his career.
Determining factors:- Recovery: The time between both competitions is crucial to recover from the Tour's wear and tear.
- Rivalry: He will need to overcome an elite roster of cyclists with similar aspirations in both events.
- Conditions: Adapting to the weather and specific Los Angeles course after competing in France.
A summer to define an era
Tadej Pogačar's project for 2026 represents one of the most complex challenges in modern cycling. If he succeeds in executing his plan, he will not only win two of the most prestigious competitions but also inscribe himself in sports history alongside legendary names. The path to Los Angeles 2026 inevitably passes through the roads of France. 🥇🇫🇷