Tadej Pogacar eyes Vuelta victory to complete Grand Tour hat trick

Tadej Pogacar is targeting a historic Grand Tour hat trick as he prepares for the Spanish Vuelta. The Slovenian superstar, who won a record-equaling fifth Tour de France title in July and the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, now seeks victory in Spain’s premier race. Pogacar last competed in the Vuelta in 2019, finishing third, but returns this year with UAE Team Emirates-XRG determined to conquer the final leg of cycling’s triple crown.

Can Pogacar become the ninth rider to complete the Grand Tour sweep?

Pogacar’s dominance in 2026 has been staggering. After claiming the Giro d’Italia in May, he secured his third consecutive Tour de France victory in July, finishing 6 minutes and 26 seconds ahead of Remco Evenepoel. His only remaining Grand Tour challenge is the Vuelta, which begins in Monaco. If successful, he would join an elite group of eight riders who have won all three major stage races.

How has Pogacar’s season unfolded so far?

This year has been Pogacar’s most successful yet. Alongside his Grand Tour wins, he triumphed in stage races like the Tour de Suisse and Tour de Romandie, as well as one-day classics. His consistency and power have cemented his status as cycling’s most dominant force. At 27, he remains at the peak of his career, with no signs of slowing down.

What does Vingegaard’s absence mean for Pogacar?

Jonas Vingegaard, Pogacar’s long-time rival, will miss the Vuelta after fracturing his collarbone in a crash during Stage 15 of the Tour de France. Vingegaard, who won the Giro d’Italia earlier this year, was the last rider to defeat Pogacar in a Grand Tour. His absence removes a key challenger, but Pogacar still faces stiff competition from riders like Remco Evenepoel and Primož Roglič.

• Pogacar won his fifth Tour de France in July, equaling the record held by Eddy Merckx, Miguel Indurain, Jacques Anquetil, and Bernard Hinault.
• He last raced in the Vuelta in 2019, finishing third as a 20-year-old.
• Jonas Vingegaard, his main rival, crashed out of the Tour de France and will not compete in the Vuelta.