Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian cycling prodigy, is gearing up for an ambitious quest: achieving the rare double victory in the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France in the same year, a feat last accomplished by Marco Pantani in 1998.
Short Summary:
- Pogacar won the 2023 Giro d’Italia by the largest margin in nearly six decades.
- He aims to become the first cyclist since 1998 to win both the Giro and the Tour de France in the same year.
- His rivals, including Jonas Vingegaard, are recovering from injuries, potentially easing his path.
In one of the most stunning performances in recent cycling history, Tadej Pogacar dominated the 2023 Giro d’Italia, winning six stages, including a time trial and four mountain stages, and securing the overall victory by an astonishing 9 minutes and 56 seconds over Colombian Dani Martinez. This margin of victory is the largest seen in a Grand Tour since Laurent Fignon won the Tour de France in 1984 by over 10 minutes. Now, Pogacar’s focus shifts to the Tour de France, aiming to become the first cyclist since Marco Pantani to win both the Giro and the Tour in the same year.
Pogacar’s success at the Giro was nothing short of extraordinary. Not only did he take the lead on the second stage and maintain it until the final one, but he also demonstrated his incredible versatility and endurance, traits that have earned him admiration from fellow cyclists and pundits alike. “He’s the best I’ve raced with, I think, and I’ve raced with a lot of good guys,” said Geraint Thomas, the 2018 Tour de France champion who placed third at the Giro at the age of 38. “Just he’s so versatile and aggressive all year round as well.”
Despite his impressive achievements, Pogacar remains humble and focused. “This was the big goal for the first part of the season. Now finally I’ll have a bit of rest before the second part, which could be the more important part,” he said after his Giro victory. “We’ll see.”
The 25-year-old from Slovenia has already won the Tour de France twice, in 2020 and 2021, and was a runner-up in the past two editions behind Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark. His record in Grand Tours is impeccable, with top-three finishes in all six of his career starts. This consistency has cemented his status as one of the most formidable riders of his generation.
A Strategic Route
The route of the 2024 Giro d’Italia seems to perfectly suit Pogacar’s strengths. With early mountain finishes and two time trials, there are ample opportunities for him to gain time on his rivals. Moreover, the race’s 20% reduction in altitude and shorter stage lengths could make the grueling three weeks of racing less taxing, allowing Pogacar to recover and be at his peak for the Tour de France.
Race director Mauro Vegni highlighted this unique opportunity, stating, “The route wasn’t designed for Pogacar; we’ve simply changed our philosophy on how we design the Giro route. However, this route gives Pogacar the chance to do the double.”
Challenges and Rivals
Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar’s chief rival, has not competed since a severe crash in April that resulted in a broken collarbone and several fractured ribs. This injury has cast doubt on Vingegaard’s ability to compete at the highest level in the Tour de France. “We don’t know exactly how my shape and how my recovery will go, but I will do everything I can to get there in my top shape,” Vingegaard expressed in a video message.
While the exact lineup of his opponents remains uncertain, Pogacar is not taking anything for granted. The unexpected can always happen in a Grand Tour, and he knows that one crash or bout of illness can dramatically alter the outcome. However, his impeccable form and the strategic advantages of the Giro route position him well for a successful campaign at the Tour de France.
Team Dynamics
Pogacar believes in the strength of his team, UAE Team Emirates, which will be pivotal in his quest for the double. “We’ve worked really hard all year as a team to prepare for this. We’ve spent a lot of time together as a group training at altitude and put in a lot of hours in the saddle. We’re in a really good place as a group,” he said. The team will include notable riders such as Britain’s Adam Yates, Spaniards Juan Ayuso and Marc Soler, France’s Pavel Sivakov, Portuguese João Almeida, Belgian Tim Wellens, and Germany’s Nils Politt.
Adam Yates, who finished third in last year’s Tour de France, emphasized the team’s readiness: “We know what we have to do to support Tadej. We’re aiming for the win and we know if things go our way it’s possible, so it’s just a matter of staying focused and pulling together all the way to Nice.”
A Historic Pursuit
Pogacar’s pursuit of the Giro-Tour double is more than just a personal ambition; it’s a quest that echoes with the history of the sport. The last cyclist to achieve this remarkable feat was Marco Pantani in 1998. Pantani’s career, however, was marred by controversy and tragedy, as he was disqualified from the Giro d’Italia in 1999 due to an exceedingly high hematocrit level and later succumbed to an overdose in 2004.
Pogacar’s attempt at the double is seen as a refreshing and inspiring endeavor, showcasing his talent and dedication. “For us Slovenians, the Giro is special; it’s the closest Grand Tour to Slovenia, and even visits there sometimes. We feel it’s our race a little bit too, and so it’s always beautiful to ride it for us,” said Primož Roglič, the 2023 Giro d’Italia winner.
Looking Ahead
The Tour de France kicks off on June 29 in Florence, Italy, crossing into France during the fourth stage. Pogacar will face a challenging route and fierce competition from seasoned riders and emerging talents alike. His preparation, support team, and strategic approach will be crucial in determining his success.
While many factors can influence the outcome of a Grand Tour, Pogacar’s dominance, versatility, and meticulous planning make him the standout favorite. As cycling fans eagerly anticipate the start of the Tour de France, all eyes will be on Pogacar to see if he can indeed secure this rare double victory and etch his name in the annals of cycling history.
“For sure, he should ride the Giro one day,” Roglič told Cyclingnews. “For us Slovenians, the Giro is special; it’s the closest Grand Tour to Slovenia, and even visits there sometimes. We feel it’s our race a little bit too, and so it’s always beautiful to ride it for us.”
As the cycling world watches, Tadej Pogacar stands on the brink of achieving an extraordinary landmark, one that could affirm his place among the greatest cyclists in history. If he succeeds, it will be a testament to his skill, endurance, and unyielding spirit.