Imagine dedicating your life to cycling, pushing your body to the absolute limit, only to realize that even for a legend like Tadej Pogacar, some feats remain out of reach. The idea of conquering all three Grand Tours in a single year? It’s a dream that even he admits might be too much. But here's where it gets controversial: could Pogacar, the modern-day cycling phenom, actually pull it off if he wanted to? Or is the physical and mental toll simply too great? Let’s dive in.
Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian superstar, has his eyes on the 2026 Tour de France, with a potential detour to the Vuelta a España—a race that starts in his adopted home of Monaco. A win there would cement his legacy even further. If anyone in the modern era could dominate all three Grand Tours in one year, it’s Pogacar. But in a recent interview with Sky Sports, he revealed the harsh reality: “It’s not easy. Beyond the 21 stages of each race, there are endless training camps… too many days away from home.” He admits that tackling the five Monument Classics in a single season feels far more achievable. Yet, he leaves the door slightly ajar: “Never say never. Maybe one day I’ll try to complete all the Grand Tours in one year. Let’s see what the future holds.”
But here’s the part most people miss: even if Pogacar were to attempt this monumental feat, it wouldn’t just be his body on the line. At UAE Team Emirates - XRG, there’s a delicate balance of egos and talent. Giving Pogacar the lead in all three Grand Tours could overshadow his teammates, potentially doing more harm than good to team dynamics. Is it fair to prioritize one rider’s historic quest over the growth and opportunities of others? It’s a question that sparks debate in the cycling world.
Pogacar’s rise to the top has been marked by meticulous preparation and an obsession with detail. “Between mentality, technology, and preparation, our generation is taking cycling to a higher level,” he explains. “Everything has improved, and we riders are obsessed with the details.” This dedication was put to the test during the 2025 Tour de France, where Team Visma | Lease a Bike’s relentless attacks left the peloton exhausted. Pogacar, nursing a minor knee injury from Mont Ventoux, was forced into a conservative racing style in the final days, his frustration evident.
And this is the part that tugs at the heartstrings: Pogacar has openly considered retirement in the coming years. “In those three weeks, you give it your all; you enjoy every day, but you also get incredibly tired,” he reflects. “When I made certain comments during the last Tour, I think they caught me at a low point.” Yet, after some recovery, he bounced back stronger than ever, capping off the season with wins at the World and European Championships, and an unmatched performance at Il Lombardia.
His journey to Rwanda wasn’t without challenges. “My lead-up had its ups and downs. I wasn’t feeling well before returning to racing in Canada, and I wasn’t in peak shape for the Kigali time trial, which Remco dominated. But I knew I’d bounce back in the road race to defend my title,” he said. What truly stands out for Pogacar at the end of the 2025 season is his Paris-Roubaix debut—a race he didn’t win but describes as “indescribable and unique.”
So, here’s the burning question: Could Tadej Pogacar conquer all three Grand Tours in one year, or is it a bridge too far? And if he tried, would it be worth the potential cost to his team and his own well-being? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s far from over.
