Tadej Pogačar has never been one to shy away from a challenge, but after securing yet another dominant victory at the 2025 UAE Tour, the Slovenian superstar is recalibrating his season. With a packed Grand Tour schedule that includes the Critérium du Dauphiné, Tour de France, and Vuelta a España, Pogačar has decided that’s enough stage racing for the year. Now, he’s ready to shift gears and target one-day classics.
Balancing Grand Tours and Classics
The UAE Team Emirates leader has proven his ability to juggle multiple ambitions, but even for a rider of his caliber, managing three major stage races in one season is a tall order. Speaking after his UAE Tour triumph, Pogačar acknowledged that his calendar is already bursting with major objectives.
> “Dauphiné, Tour, and Vuelta is quite enough,” Pogačar said with a grin. “After that, I’ll switch into one-day mode and focus on the classics.”
It’s a strategic move from the two-time Tour de France champion, who has built a reputation not just as a Grand Tour contender but also as a formidable force in one-day races.
What’s Next for Pogačar?
With the Tour de France as his primary focus, Pogačar will use the Critérium du Dauphiné as his key preparation event. Then, after an all-out assault on the Tour, he’ll tackle the Vuelta a España, marking his first attempt at a Tour-Vuelta double.
Once the Grand Tours are behind him, Pogačar will pivot to one-day races, where he has already established himself as one of the best. In previous seasons, he has captured titles at Il Lombardia, Strade Bianche, and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and his hunger for success in the classics remains strong.
His expected targets include:
✅ Il Lombardia – where he’s already a three-time winner
✅ Liège-Bastogne-Liège – aiming for another Ardennes victory
✅ UCI World Championships – a chance to add the coveted rainbow jersey to his collection
A Tactical Season Ahead
By limiting his stage race commitments after the Vuelta, Pogačar is making a calculated decision to ensure he remains fresh for one-day battles. The move also hints at a broader strategy—perhaps a step toward targeting the 2025 UCI World Championships with full force.
His ability to switch between Grand Tours and classics has already placed him in cycling’s elite. Now, with his eyes set on making the most of both disciplines, Pogačar is once again proving why he’s one of the most versatile riders in modern cycling.
Would this strategic shift mean more dominance in one-day races? If history is anything to go by, Pogačar isn’t just aiming to compete—he’s aiming to win.
