Pogacar’s Vuelta return remains in play after organisers tease appearance

The image showed Pogačar during his Vuelta debut in 2019, accompanied by the message: “The summer is going to be interesting.” Across the cycling media, the post has been interpreted as the latest indication that a start in Monaco next month remains a possibility.

Monaco will host the Vuelta’s Grand Départ on 22 August. The Prince of Monaco was the first to publicly claim that Pogačar would be on the start line, a suggestion the five time Tour de France winner did not dismiss.

“If the Prince says so, then the chances are high,” Pogačar said during the Tour de France.

Speaking at his post Tour de France press conference in Paris on Sunday, however, Pogačar offered a more cautious assessment of his physical and mental condition after three weeks of racing.

“At the moment, I don’t feel fresh enough to ride the Vuelta if it were to start tomorrow, but I can still decide in two weeks,” he said.

Pogačar also cited the risk of burnout as a reason not to make an immediate decision.

“I know that can happen if you push too hard. That is why I don’t want to say just yet that I will go to the Vuelta. You have to think about that and keep your feet on the ground.”

The 2019 edition remains Pogačar’s only appearance at the Spanish Grand Tour. Then just 20 years old, he won three stages and finished third overall, announcing himself as one of the sport’s brightest emerging talents.

A final decision is expected soon. Should Pogačar take part, it would be his first Grand Tour double since 2024, when he won both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France.